Indonesia Becomes First Customer For India’s Astra Missile

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI- Indonesia has become the first overseas customer for India’s indigenously developed Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.

The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The deal was finalized between state-run Bharat Dynamics Ltd. and Indonesian defense holding company Republikorp.

Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization, Astra is an indigenous missile system, unlike the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which is produced through an India-Russia joint venture. The missile also played a role during Operation Sindoor.

Designed for air-to-air combat, Astra can travel at speeds of up to Mach 4.5 and engage enemy aircraft at ranges of 80 to 110 kilometers, with an extended range of up to 160 kilometers. The Indonesian Air Force plans to integrate the missile with its Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30 and Su-27 fighter aircraft.

The Astra deal was among several defense agreements announced during Modi’s visit. India and Indonesia also signed an agreement to cooperate on the BrahMos missile system.

Following the agreements, Modi said in a post on X that the Astra deal would boost India’s defense exports under the “Make in India for the World” initiative and strengthen the country’s indigenous missile development ecosystem.

He said cooperation on the BrahMos system also demonstrates the capabilities of India’s defense industry, strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat, and promotes indigenous defense manufacturing, innovation, global competitiveness, and exports.