India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on track to finalize the development of the Astra MkIII, a next-generation beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, with production clearance expected by 2028 and induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) anticipated by early 2030. This missile, featuring a Solid-Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, boasts an impressive range of up to 350 kilometers and aims to significantly enhance India’s long-range interception capabilities against advanced aerial threats. The Astra MkIII follows the earlier Astra MkI and MkII variants, which have already been integrated into various IAF platforms, including the Su-30MKI and the forthcoming Tejas Mk2, and aims to address the existing BVR shortfalls that have become evident in recent aerial engagements with Pakistan, particularly following the 2019 Balakot incident. Despite IAF’s attempts to upgrade its arsenal with the R-77-1 and various indigenous efforts, the emergence of advanced missiles like Pakistan’s PL-15E and the delayed integration of French Rafale’s MBDA Meteor have prompted calls for swift advancements in indigenous missile capabilities. The Astra program is central to India’s aim of achieving self-reliance in defense, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative and enhancing national security by bolstering the IAF’s air dominance in a complex geopolitical landscape. The successful deployment of Astra MkIII and its integration into the IAF’s operational framework will not only fill crucial gaps in aerial combat capabilities but also signify a significant leap toward technological autonomy in defense systems.