The Astra MK-2 air-to-air missile, developed by DRDO, is set to enter user trials with the Su-30MKI jet, significantly enhancing India’s air combat capabilities. With an extended range of 140-160 kilometers and advanced features like an AESA seeker, it rivals top global missiles, ensuring greater lethality against agile targets. The integration with the Su-30MKI’s avionics has been validated through extensive trials, positioning it for full-scale induction by 2027. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technologies, involving multiple public and private sectors, thus bolstering the Indian Air Force’s ability to counter advanced aerial threats in contested environments.