Overseas buyers eye Astra after successful deployment during Operation Sindoor operations
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An in-principle agreement between India and Indonesia for Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, announced during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta earlier this month, has further boosted global interest in the indigenous weapon system, with at least six nations — including Armenia and Saudi Arabia — now showing interest in the combat-proven capability.The quantity of Astra missiles and the deal’s value will be finalised during subsequent contract negotiations between India and Indonesia, businessline had reported when the agreement was announced.Armenia TalksSources said Armenia is at an advanced stage of talks with India to acquire Astra missiles, successfully deployed by Su-30MKI fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. Engagements with Armenia and Saudi Arabia focus on integrating the weapon system onto their aircraft. Negotiations are underway to integrate Astra with Armenia’s Su-30SM fighter jets.Armenia has initiated advanced negotiations with India to integrate the Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile system onto Su-30SM fighter jets. Armenia’s negotiations show confidence in Indian defence equipment. Armenia has already bought the Akash surface-to-air missile system, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, Swathi weapon-locating radars, 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System howitzers and ZEN anti-drone systems.Royal Saudi Air Force operates a mixed fleet of F-15S and F-15SA and Eurofighter Typhoons. Talks about integrating the Astra missiles on these platforms are underway, sources stated.Astra’s precision and lethality can be compared with the best in its class, including the PL 15 BVR air-to-air missiles of China The other advantage is that Astra is at least 70 per cent cheaper than its global alternative, sources observed.Developed by the DRDO and manufactured by the BDL, the Astra Mk-1 is a Mach 4.5 missile with a strike range between 80 and 110 km. India has also tested the Mk-2 version, carrying a range of 200-240 km. The Mk-3 version with a ramjet engine is at a development stage, with a proposed extended range beyond 300 km.Given the strong demand , the government has decided to bring privage sector into the manufacturing of the missiles which till now has been a monopoly of the BDL.Published on July 19, 2026
