India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) plans to develop an air-launched anti-airborne early warning and control system (AWACS) anti-radiation missile, the Indian Defence Research Wing revealed.
The missile will be outfitted on the upcoming Tejas MK1A and MK2 indigenous aircraft, the outlet added. It will be a cheaper option than the Astra Mk-3 air-to-air missile being tested later this year.
Based on Supersonic Missile Target
The missile will be based on the DRDO supersonic target (STAR) initiative to develop a supersonic target missile for surface warship crew to practice countering incoming anti-ship missiles.
DRDO is carrying out preliminary research to develop the target missile, expected to have a range of 55-175 kilometers (34-109 miles) and a radar cross-section of 0.2-1.9 square meters, according to the outlet.
The two-stage STAR will use a booster in the first stage and a Liquid Fuel Ramjet Engine afterward — flying at Mach 2.5 — simulating a sea-skimming cruise missile.
