India is upgrading the Astra missile series with Astra Mark-2 exceeding 200 km and Project Gandiva targeting a range beyond 300 kmCheck key details.
Published: October 6, 2026, 7:41 AM IST
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India to boost Astra Missile’s strike power, range likely to exceed 300 kms – All you need to know | Image: X
Astra Missile Big Upgrade: India’s defence capabilities have grown rapidly in recent years, supported by higher defence budgets, increased domestic production and advancements in indigenous technologyThe country, which is surrounded by Pakistan and China, is not only increasing its firepower but has also emerged as a major defence exporter with defence exports reaching a record-breaking Rs 38,424 crore in the 2025–26 financial yearIt is now working on upgrading its lethal Astra missile seriesThe Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working continuously on increasing its range to 160 kmsCurrently, Astra-1, designed for long-range aerial combat, has a range of approximately 100 kms.
Astra Missile’s Range To Exceed 300 Kilometers
Astra-1 is a very lethal missile which is developed by DRDOIt is an indigenous all-weather Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) with a range of approx100 kmsCurrently, preparations are underway to further increase its range to 160 kmsHowever, reports state that DRDO is working to increase Astra’s range to 300 kilometers.
Astra Mark-2 Trials Intensify As DRDO Works On 300+ Km Range
The organisation has intensified trials of the Astra-2 missile, also known as Astra Mark-2The scientists are testing the missile by installing it on fighter aircraftCurrently, the Astra Mark-2 has a range of over 200 kms.
However, DRDO’s third most important project is called Project Gandiva, or the Astra Mark-3 missileUnder the project, the range of Astra Mark-3 will be increased by over 300 kmsWork is ongoing on all these missiles.
