Tejas LCA AF MK1 prototype test-fires indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range missile off Chandipur
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) test-fired the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) from an LCA AF MK1 prototype off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha, on 12 March 2025, scoring a direct hit on a flying target.
Summary
The Aeronautical Development Agency successfully test-launched the Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from an LCA AF MK1 (Tejas) prototype fighter off Chandipur, Odisha, on 12 March 2025. The missile scored a direct hit on a flying target, with all subsystems meeting mission parameters. Astra, designed and developed by DRDO, can engage targets beyond 100 km and is already inducted into the Indian Air Force. The Defence Ministry called the test a significant milestone towards induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant; it involved ADA, DRDO and HAL, with CEMILAC, DG-AQA and the IAF.
Key facts
- Date / place
- 12 March 2025, off Chandipur, Odisha
- Aircraft
- LCA AF MK1 (Tejas) prototype
- Missile
- Astra BVRAAM, DRDO; range over 100 km
- Result
- Direct hit on flying target
- Significance
- Milestone towards LCA AF MK1A induction
- Agencies
- ADA, DRDO, HAL; CEMILAC, DG-AQA, IAF
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which missile was test-fired from a Tejas LCA AF MK1 prototype off Chandipur on 12 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A — Astra
ADA test-fired the indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile from the LCA AF MK1 prototype.
Which agency conducted the Astra test-launch from the LCA AF MK1 prototype in March 2025?
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Correct answer: B — Aeronautical Development Agency
The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) conducted the test, with DRDO, HAL, CEMILAC, DG-AQA and the IAF supporting.
Consider the following statements about the Astra test of 12 March 2025: 1. Astra is already inducted into the Indian Air Force and can engage targets beyond 100 km. 2. The test was described as a milestone towards induction of the LCA AF MK1A variant. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct as per the Defence Ministry.