Updated: October 15, 2025 12:05 PM IST 
After destroying several Pakistani bases during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force is further increasing its strength and has now decided to purchase 700 Astra Mark-2 missiles for its fighter aircraft. These deadly missiles will be installed in Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fighter aircraft.
According to a report, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is going to increase the range of ‘Astra Mark 2’ air-to-air missiles by more than 200 kilometers. The Defence Ministry will soon discuss this. Defence officials said that the Indian Air Force will purchase approximately 700 ‘Astra Mark 2’ missiles. These missiles will be installed in Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fighter aircraft. Earlier, the plan was to keep the range of ‘Astra Mark 2’ missile around 160 kilometers, but now work will be done on taking it much above 200 kilometers.
What is the power of Astra Mark-1?
Astra Mark-1 was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. This missile is India’s first indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile, capable of air-to-air precision targeting. It can destroy enemy targets within a range of 100 kilometres in an instant. Several DRDO laboratories, along with over 50 public and private industries, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), contributed to the development of this weapon system. DRDO is now considering increasing the range of these missiles to over 200 kilometres.
Indian Air Force’s dominance in Operation Sindoor
During Operation Sindoor, limited air-to-air clashes took place between India and Pakistan. India launched long-range attacks on Pakistani air bases and terrorist hideouts. Several Pakistani aircraft, including US-provided F-16s and Chinese fighter jets, were destroyed. Large-scale Pakistani drones and reconnaissance aircraft were also destroyed in ground attacks.
Follow Us 
By 
