New Delhi: The Defence Ministry cleared military procurement proposals worth around Rs 79,000 crore, including the induction of the longer-range Astra Mk-II beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile for the Indian Air Force and a range of systems aimed at countering unmanned aerial vehicle threats.
The approvals were granted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
Among the key clearances is the Astra Mk-II missile, which is expected to significantly extend the strike reach of IAF fighter jets. While the IAF currently operates the Astra Mk-I with a range of 80–110 km, the Mk-II variant is designed to achieve ranges exceeding 140 km.
Developed indigenously, Astra missiles are already integrated with Tejas light combat aircraft and Su-30 MKI fighters.
The DAC also accorded acceptance of necessity for long-range precision-guided rockets for Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, loitering munitions, and advanced radars and drone detection systems to counter aerial threats.
Hours after the approval, DRDO successfully tested a 120-km-range Pinaka rocket, marking a major upgrade over the existing 80-km capability.
Additional clearances include simulators for Tejas aircraft, guidance kits for precision bombs, UAV leasing for maritime surveillance and naval systems for secure communication and harbour operations. All approvals are at the initial stage of the defence procurement process.
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