As India attempts to begin an arms race in the region, it tested on Friday two Beyond the Visual Range (BVR) technology air-to-air missiles known as Astra missiles using its Su-30 MKI fighter jets.
The Defence Ministry said both tests met expectations and confirmed the performance of the system.
The missiles used a locally developed radio-frequency seeker. Officials said the missiles successfully hit their targets. They also said that the seeker was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
According to the Defence Ministry, all systems functioned as planned. The tests were conducted off the coast of Odisha. The Integrated Test Range collected data in Chandipur.
India signed a deal worth Rs 2,971 crore in 2022 for Astra Mk-1 missiles and launchers for the Air Force and Navy. DRDO is also developing an extended-range version called Astra Mk-2, expected to be tested by 2026.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the test with the Indian-made seeker was an important milestone.
But military observers in the region see this differently. The tests follow Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where Indian forces suffered setbacks in a confrontation with Pakistan. Since then, India has increased the pace of weapons trials and emergency imports.
Analysts say India is not preparing for defence, but for future action. In the past few months, India has acquired new Israeli and American weapons and sped up its testing of locally made missiles.
Experts believe the BJP-led government is trying to rebuild its image after Operation Sindoor. They say the current pattern of weapon testing points to preparation for a future strike. India’s political leadership, they argue, is using the armed forces to push an aggressive posture.
They also say that public statements about “pinpoint accuracy” are part of a larger campaign to project military strength after setbacks.
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