In a resounding leap towards self-reliance and advanced warfare capabilities, the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7 achieved a remarkable feat on August 23, 2023. The skies off the picturesque coast of Goa bore witness as the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile streaked towards its target, igniting a new chapter in India’s defense prowess.
At an altitude of 20,000 ft, the aircraft released the ASTRA missile with impeccable precision, hitting all objectives flawlessly. The controlled test launch, executed with textbook precision, was a collaborative effort of the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DG-AQA). A twin-seater Chase Tejas aircraft closely monitored the historic moment.
The ASTRA missile, a testament to cutting-edge indigenous technology, has been meticulously designed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and other DRDO laboratories. This achievement not only bolsters India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative but also marks a significant stride towards enhancing the Tejas fighter’s combat capabilities.
Applause and accolades have poured in from the highest echelons of defense leadership. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh hailed the collaborative effort of ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, DG-AQA, and the industry, emphasizing the reduced reliance on imported weaponry. The Secretary of the Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO also extended heartfelt congratulations to the accomplished teams behind this pivotal achievement.
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