India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has decided to integrate features from a recovered Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missile into the indigenous Astra Mark 2.
The decision came after a technical analysis of the missile, which was recovered intact following its launch from a Pakistani Air Force jet during May clashes with India.
The missile failed to engage its target and landed in fields in the northern Indian state of Punjab, according to the Hindustan Times.
It lacked a self-destruct mechanism, the Indian outlet added, citing sources.
During the clashes, Pakistan reportedly used an export variant of the PL-15 with an estimated range of 145 kilometers (90 miles).
DRDO’s analysis revealed advanced features of the missile, such as a compact AESA radar, propellant enabling speeds over Mach 5, and advanced anti-jamming capabilities.
According to the Hindustan Times, these features — particularly the radar technology — are being incorporated into the Astra program.
Astra Missile
The Astra Mark 1 is currently deployed on the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fleet, with efforts underway to integrate it into the indigenous Tejas fighter jet.
The missile has a maximum operational range of 110 kilometers (68 miles) and can reach speeds of up to Mach 4.5.
In comparison, the in-development Astra Mark 2 is expected to engage targets at a maximum range of 160 kilometers (99 miles), with plans to extend its reach beyond 200 kilometers (124 miles).
In addition to the Astra, the Indian Air Force operates the Meteor long-range air-to-air missile and plans to acquire additional units for the Rafale fighters purchased from France in 2019.
