India test-fires Astra

India has conducted the first two firings of its Astra air-to-air missile. The weapon, developed by theDefence Research and Development Organisation, is intended to be the principal weapon for the Hindustan Aeronautics Light Combat Aircraft, recently renamed the Tejas. The prototype Astra was ground-launched for the tests. The missile is 3.8m (12.5ft) long and has a 0.25m diameter. It is intended to have a 25-40km (13-22nm) range.

Source: Flight International