Union Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, marked a historic moment on January 14, by flagging off the indigenously developed Astra air-to-air missiles. The ceremony took place at the Kanchangbagh unit of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad, signifying a crucial step towards the missile’s induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Astra missile, a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, stands as a testament to India’s technological prowess. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BDL for the IAF, the Astra Weapon System boasts unparalleled capabilities in its category, with a remarkable range exceeding 100 kilometers.
The flag-off ceremony is a monumental achievement for Bharat Dynamics Limited, placing the company among a select few globally with the capability to produce cutting-edge air-to-air missiles. This achievement is a significant stride forward for India in terms of self-reliance in defence production.
Union Minister Ajay Bhatt extended his congratulations to BDL for successfully realizing the production of the Astra missile, aligning with the Government of India’s ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) policy. This marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of developing indigenous defence capabilities.
Acknowledging Bharat Dynamics Limited’s crucial role, the Union Minister highlighted BDL’s contribution to boosting the country’s defence exports. BDL’s commitment to delivering state-of-the-art defence equipment not only strengthens India’s security but also positions it as a reliable partner on the global stage.
BDL Managing Director, Commodore A. Madhavarao (Retd), emphasized the company’s dedication to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, ensuring maximum indigenous content in their products. He revealed that BDL has received numerous inquiries from friendly foreign nations expressing interest in acquiring the Astra Weapon System.
Highlighting the expanding manufacturing capabilities of BDL, Madhavarao pointed out that the company is equipped to simultaneously meet the demands of both domestic and international markets for the Astra missiles. This dual-focus approach reinforces India’s position as a reliable supplier of advanced defence technology.
1. Who recently flagged off the Astra Missile for supply to the IAF?
a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi
b) Union Minister Ajay Bhatt
c) Defense Minister Rajnath Singh
2. What is the purpose of the Astra Missile mentioned in the news?
a) Space exploration
b) Naval defense
c) Supply to Indian Air Force (IAF)
3. What type of missile is Astra?
a) Air-to-Air Missile
b) Cruise Missile
c) Ballistic Missile
Kindly share your responses in the comment section.
Oats are an important grain known for their nutrition and many uses in food. In…
South Africa’s government recently launched the Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS) as part of a…
Sultanganj railway station in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district is set to be renamed in honor of…
Chhath Puja is a special festival celebrated mainly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It…
Zimbabwe has launched its second satellite, ZIMSAT-2, from the Vostochny Cosmodrome in Russia, a major…
Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, inaugurated the much-awaited 4th LG…