Ministry of Defence indications agreement with BDL for purchase of projectile system for IAF, Navy

Ministry of Defence today authorized an agreement with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and also involved devices for the Indian Air Force and also Indian Navy at Rs 2,971 crore. The agreement was authorized under Buy (Indian- IDDM)Category

Till currently, the modern technology to produce projectiles of this course was not offered. ASTRA MK-I projectile has actually been indigenously created and also established by the Defence Research and also Development Organisation (DRDO) based upon the Staff Requirements released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) providing for Beyond Visual Range in addition to Close Combat Engagement decreasing the dependence on international resources. Air to Air projectile with BVR ability supplies huge Stand-Off Ranges to possess competitor airplane which can neutralise the opponent airplane without revealing themselves to opponent Air Defence procedures, thus obtaining & & maintaining supremacy of theAir Space This projectile is highly and also financially above numerous such imported projectile systems.

ASTRA MK-I projectile and also all connected systems for its launch, ground handling & & screening have actually been established by DRDO in sychronisation with the IAF. The projectile, for which effective tests have actually currently been carried out by the IAF, is totally incorporated on the Su 30 MK-I competitor airplane & & will certainly be incorporated with various other competitor airplane in a phased way, consisting of the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). The Indian Navy will certainly incorporate the projectile on the MiG 29K competitor airplane.

The Transfer of Technology from DRDO to BDL for manufacturing of ASTRA MK-I projectile and also all connected systems has actually been finished and also manufacturing at BDL remains in development. This job will certainly work as a stimulant for the development of Infrastructure and also Testing centers at BDL. It will certainly additionally develop chances for numerous MSMEs in aerospace modern technology for a minimum of 25 years. The job basically personifies the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and also will certainly aid assist in knowing the country’s trip in the direction of self-sufficiency in Air- to-Air Missiles