The Indian Air Force (IAF) is accelerating efforts to integrate the indigenous Astra Mk-2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with a wider range of combat aircraft as India moves to strengthen its long-range aerial warfare capabilities. At the same time, preparatory work for the next-generation Astra Mk-3 missile, also known as Gandiva, is progressing, according to recent remarks by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh.
The developments come as the IAF places greater emphasis on beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capability amid the growing deployment of longer-range air-to-air missiles and increasingly sophisticated electronic warfare systems by regional air forces. Air Chief Marshal Singh recently said that the Astra family, including the Mk-2 and Mk-3 variants, forms an important part of the IAF’s efforts to build a stronger BVR capability.
The Astra Mk-2 is intended to provide a substantial increase in engagement range over the operational Astra Mk-1. The Mk-1 already has a range exceeding 100 km, while the Mk-2 is being developed for a significantly longer reach. The missile is expected to incorporate improved propulsion, guidance and seeker technologies, enabling it to maintain effectiveness during long-range engagements.
A major focus at the current stage is the integration of Astra Mk-2 with additional aircraft platforms. Missile integration involves ensuring compatibility between the weapon and an aircraft’s radar, avionics, mission computer, fire-control system and data links. Successful integration is therefore essential for allowing the missile to receive target information, engage designated targets and operate effectively as part of the aircraft’s overall combat system.
The Astra programme is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with participation from India’s defence industrial sector. Earlier testing of the Astra system has demonstrated the progress made in developing indigenous air-to-air missile technology. In July 2025, DRDO and the IAF successfully conducted flight tests of the Astra missile equipped with an indigenous radio-frequency seeker from a Su-30 Mk-I fighter, with the missile successfully engaging high-speed aerial targets.
The development of Astra Mk-2 is being pursued alongside preparations for Astra Mk-3, which is expected to provide another major advancement in India’s indigenous BVR missile capability. Air Chief Marshal Singh has indicated that the Mk-2 programme is in the development phase, while the Mk-3 programme is at an earlier stage of research and development. The Mk-3 is expected to eventually provide a significantly longer-range capability than the earlier members of the Astra family.
The IAF’s push for advanced indigenous air-to-air missiles is also linked to the broader requirement to strengthen its fighter force. The Air Chief has said that the service needs to induct around 36 to 40 fighter aircraft annually to prevent further decline in its fighter squadron strength. He has also stressed the importance of integrating different aircraft and weapon systems into an effective overall combat capability rather than relying on individual platforms alone.
The accelerated work on Astra Mk-2 and preparations for Astra Mk-3 reflect India’s wider effort to reduce dependence on foreign weapons in critical areas of air combat. At the same time, the IAF is expected to continue using a combination of indigenous and imported missile systems to meet its operational requirements. This approach allows the service to strengthen domestic defence capabilities while maintaining access to advanced weapon systems needed for immediate operational requirements.
With longer-range air combat becoming increasingly important, the successful integration and eventual induction of Astra Mk-2 could provide the IAF with a greater indigenous BVR capability across its fighter fleet. The parallel development of Astra Mk-3 would further extend this capability in the future and strengthen India’s ability to respond to evolving aerial threats.
The latest developments indicate that India’s indigenous air-to-air missile programme is moving beyond the development of individual weapons towards broader integration with the country’s combat aircraft fleet. Faster progress on Astra Mk-2 integration, combined with continued work on Astra Mk-3, is expected to remain an important element of the IAF’s efforts to build a more capable and self-reliant air combat force.