What’s in the news?

• The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy at a cost of two thousand 971 crore rupees.
• Till now, the technology to manufacture missiles of this class was not available.
• ASTRA MK-I missile has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, DRDO, based on the requirements of the Indian Air Force.
• Air to Air missile provides large Stand-Off Ranges to own fighter aircraft which can neutralise the adversary aircraft without exposing themselves to adversary Air Defence measures.

Reference:

1. https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=MoD-signs-2971-crore-rupees-contract-with-BDL-for-supply-of-ASTRA-MK-I-Beyond-Visual-Range-Air-to-Air-Missile-for-IAF-and-Indian-Navy&id=441906