On September 16, the Indian Air Force successfully tested the Astra, its first indigenous medium-range air-to-air missile. According to a Ministry of Defence press release, an Indian Su-30 MKI fighter launched the missile off eastern India’s Odisha Coast, striking an aerial target. Developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the Astra reportedly possesses...
On August 9, India’s Defence Acquisition Council cleared the purchase of new ground-launched antiship missile batteries. The Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries planned for acquisition would use the Indo-Russian BrahMos cruise missile, which has an estimated range of 500 km. The supersonic missile first entered Indian service in 2007. Related Links: Coastal batteries with...
On August 4, India successfully test fired the indigenously developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) at a range in Odisha. In a statement, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) said the two missiles launched “complete[d] mission objectives of engaging the [live] targets.” First tested in 2017, the QRSAM is reportedly capable of striking airborne...
Speaking at a Russian naval exhibition on July 16, a representative of BrahMos Aerospace stated that development was underway for the BrahMos-NG, an upgraded version of the BrahMos cruise missile. The new BrahMos will reportedly reach higher speeds—Mach 3.5 over its predecessor’s 2.8—and be smaller in diameter. It is planned to equip India’s Project 75...
On July 12, Indian and Israel firms concluded an agreement to assemble Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles. Under the $100 million contract, an Israeli contractor would produce roughly 1000 missile kits for final assembly in India. First developed in 2009, the Barak-8 can intercept airbornetargets at a 100km range. Related Links: Joint Israeli, Indian venture to make...
On June 27, the Indian Army successfully test fired a Prithvi-II short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) off the country’s Odisha Coast. Officials described the flight as a routine test. The liquid-fueled missile can carry a 500 to 750 kg payload to a 250 km range. Related Links: Nuclear-capable missile Prithvi II successfully test-fired, The Economic Times...
On June 12, India flight tested its Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) off the Odisha coast. Official sources offered inconclusive statements of test results; though initially claimed to be successful, other Ministry of Defence sources said several test objectives were not met. The indigenously developed missile was designed to validate scramjet engine technologies for military...
On June 4, India’s Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) successfully tested an antiship version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The launch took place on a test range off the Odisha Coast at India’s Integrated Test Range. An air launched BrahMos variant was also test fired on May 22. The BrahMos missile is jointly developed...
On May 27, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test fired an updated version of its Akash surface-to-air missile. The missile, which entered service in 2015, has a range of roughly 25 km and can reach altitudes of up to 18 km. The launch marks the second successful flight test of the updated...
On May 22, the Indian Air Force successfully test fired the BrahMos antiship cruise missile from an Su-30MKI fighter. The weapon, co-developed by India and Russia, is among the fastest cruise missiles currently in service, reaching speeds of Mach 3 over its 400 km range. The exercise marks the second successful test of the air-launched...
