The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to boost its aerial combat capabilities by ordering around 700 upgraded Astra Mk-2 missiles from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This enhanced version extends the missile’s operational range to over 200 km, surpassing the 145 km range of Pakistan’s Chinese-origin PL-15E missile. The Astra Mk-2 upgrade incorporates advanced technologies sourced from a captured and analyzed PL-15E missile, retrieved intact in May 2025 during Operation Sindoor, allowing India to significantly enhance its beyond-visual-range (BVR) strike capability. These missiles will be deployed on frontline aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30MKI and Tejas, providing Indian pilots a decisive standoff advantage without entering adversary weapon zones. The dual-pulse solid rocket motor, indigenous AESA seeker, electronic countermeasure resistance, and home-on-jam features mark a leap in India’s self-reliant defense technology. This move not only strengthens India’s air defense but also challenges the regional air superiority dynamics with China and Pakistan, signaling an important strategic upgrade in South Asia’s aerial warfare landscape. The program aligns with the broader goal of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” by reducing dependency on foreign arms imports.