India’s Astra BVR missile program is set for significant growth, with projections indicating an order book of 1,500 units in the next four to five years. Developed by DRDO and produced by BDL, the Astra family serves as a crucial element of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, reducing dependence on foreign missile systems. The Astra Mk-1, with a range of 100-110 km, is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to imported missiles, while future variants promise enhanced capabilities. This strategic shift supports India’s defense export ambitions, attracting interest from countries like Brazil and Vietnam, and aligns with the IAF’s modernization efforts to counter evolving aerial threats.