DRDO, IAF successfully test indigenous Astra Missile with Radio Frequency Seeker from Su-30 MKI
According to Ministry of Defence, during the tests, two launches were carried out against high-speed unmanned aerial targets at different ranges, target aspects and launch platform conditions. In both the cases, the missiles destroyed the targets with pin-point accuracy.
All subsystems performed as per expectations including the RF seeker which has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO, the MoD added.
It further said that the flawless performance of the Astra weapon system was validated through flight data captured by Range Tracking instruments deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. These successful flight tests have re-established the accuracy and reliable performance of Astra weapon system with indigenous seeker.
'Astra BVRAAM has a range exceeding 100 kms and is equipped with state-of-the art guidance and navigation system,' said MoD.
In addition to various laboratories of DRDO, more than 50 public and private industries including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited have contributed towards successful realisation of the weapon system.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry involved in the design and development of RF seeker and stated that the successful testing of the missile with indigenous seeker is a major milestone in critical defence technology.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated all the teams involved during the successful flight-test.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
16 hours ago
- First Post
History Today: When we lost APJ Abdul Kalam, the 'Missile Man of India'
On July 27, 2015, India lost a visionary and leader in APJ Abdul Kalam, the 'Missile Man,'who collapsed while delivering a lecture at IIM Shillong. He passed away at 83; a moment that united an entire nation in grief and gratitude for his scientific legacy and inspirational life read more Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam arrives to caste his ballot at a polling station in New Delhi, May 10, 2004. File Image/Reuters As part of Firstpost's History Today series, July 27 has witnessed pivotal moments — from the passing of India's beloved 'Missile Man' APJ Abdul Kalam in 2015, to acts of terror and peacemaking on the world stage, and deep racial conflict in America. APJ Abdul Kalam passes away On July 27, 2015, India lost one of its most beloved and respected figures — Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India and a pioneering aerospace scientist. Kalam collapsed while delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong. He was 83. His sudden demise marked the end of an era that transcended science, education, public service and spiritual thought. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Born on October 15, 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, Kalam came from modest beginnings. His father was a boat owner and imam of a local mosque, and young Kalam helped supplement the family income by selling newspapers. Despite financial constraints, he showed an early curiosity for learning and was especially drawn to mathematics and physics. After completing his schooling in Ramanathapuram, Kalam went on to study physics at St. Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli, and then aerospace engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. He narrowly missed becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force — he was ranked 9th while only 8 slots were available — but fate had bigger plans for him. Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958 and then the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) in 1969. At ISRO, he was project director of India's first indigenous Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III), which successfully deployed the Rohini satellite in 1980 — a defining moment in India's space history. His contributions became even more prominent when he rejoined DRDO and spearheaded India's missile development programme under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). This earned him the moniker 'Missile Man of India.' Notable missiles like Agni and Prithvi were developed under his leadership. Kalam played a pivotal role in India's 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran-II. As the chief scientific adviser to the Prime Minister and the head of the DRDO at the time, he was instrumental in the coordination and execution of the tests. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From left to right, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Defence Minister George Fernandes, India's 'missile man' APJ Abdul Kalam and Atomic Energy chief R Chidambaram display the victory symbol during a visit to the Shakti 1 test site, where India tested nuclear device in Pokhran. File Image/AP The successful detonation marked India as a nuclear weapons state and significantly altered its global strategic posture. The Pokhran-II tests also cemented Kalam's status as a national hero. His ability to bridge scientific innovation with national policy was rare and essential at a time when India sought to assert itself globally. In 2002, Abdul Kalam was elected the 11th President of India with support across party lines. He was the first scientist and the first bachelor to occupy Rashtrapati Bhavan. During his tenure, Kalam brought a refreshing change to the ceremonial office, converting it into an active platform for outreach and youth engagement. He earned the sobriquet 'People's President' due to his simplicity, accessibility and dedication to citizens — especially students. Kalam made it a priority to meet with young people, listen to their aspirations, and encourage innovation and education. An Indian army officer (L) points towards the Line of Control (LoC) as Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam (2nd-L), Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Syed and V G. Patankar, chief of Indian army in Kashmir, look during their visit to the LoC in the Uri sector, 102 kms (63 miles) west of Srinagar, June 28, 2003. File Image/Reuters After his presidency, Kalam did not retire from public life. He became a visiting professor at multiple institutions including IIM Shillong, IIM Ahmedabad, and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also authored several influential books such as Wings of Fire, India 2020, Ignited Minds, and My Journey — many of which became bestsellers and were translated into numerous languages. Kalam was a strong advocate for India's development through knowledge, science, and technological self-reliance. His vision of India as a developed nation by 2020, although not fully realised, continues to inspire developmental discourse. On July 27, 2015, while delivering a lecture titled 'Creating a Liveable Planet Earth' at IIM Shillong, Kalam collapsed at around 6:30 pm. He was rushed to Bethany Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from a sudden cardiac arrest. News of his death triggered an outpouring of grief across India and abroad. The Government of India declared a seven-day state mourning. His body was flown to his hometown of Rameswaram, where he was laid to rest with full state honours. Over 350,000 people attended his funeral, including political leaders, scientists and common citizens. Kalam's impact on India — and indeed, the world — transcended his technical achievements. He symbolised the power of education, the importance of hard work, and the potential of a visionary mind. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among his numerous accolades are the Bharat Ratna (India's highest civilian honour), the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan. He received honorary doctorates from more than 40 universities worldwide. His birthday, October 15, is now observed as World Students' Day in many institutions, and India's DRDO has named its missile complex in Hyderabad the 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex.' His house in Rameswaram was converted into the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam National Memorial by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and inaugurated in 2017. Globally, he was remembered as a symbol of peace and development. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama is felicitated by former Indian president APJ Abdul Kalam during celebration of his 74th birthday in New Delhi, July 6, 2009. File Image/Reuters Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called him a 'great statesman and visionary,' while Nasa scientists lauded his commitment to science diplomacy. His quotes like — 'Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action' — are widely circulated in classrooms and textbooks. In an age of growing cynicism and division, Kalam remains a rare unifying figure. He was admired across the ideological spectrum — by conservatives, liberals, nationalists, and progressives alike. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kalam once said, 'If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun.' Olympic terror: Centennial Park bombing On July 27, 1996, a pipe bomb exploded at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta during a free concert, killing 44-year-old Alice Hawthorne, causing the death of Turkish cameraman Melih Uzunyol (via heart attack), and injuring 111 others. Investigators inspecting the scene at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, where a pipe bomb exploded on July 27, 1996, disrupting the Summer Olympic Games. File Image/AP The bomber — Eric Robert Rudolph, a white supremacist extremist — later admitted responsibility, linking the act to opposition against abortion and globalism. He was captured in 2003 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2005. Security guard Richard Jewell was initially hailed a hero, then wrongfully accused — a saga prompting FBI reforms and legal action by Jewell. The event shifted Olympic security, highlighting vulnerabilities in mass gatherings and civilian safety protocols. Armistice ends Korean War After nearly three years of intense conflict beginning June 25, 1950, the Korean War armistice was signed at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953. US, North Korean, and Chinese forces convened, reaching a ceasefire effective at 10:00 am (signing) and formal cessation by 10:00 pm that night. UN delegate Lieut. Gen. William K. Harrison, Jr. (seated left), and Korean People's Army and Chinese People's Volunteers delegate Gen. Nam Il (seated right) signing the Korean War armistice agreement at P'anmunjŏm, Korea, July 27, 1953. Image/US Department of Defense The accord established the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) near the 38th parallel and highlighted prisoner repatriation via a Neutral Nations Commission. Although the armistice halted active conflict, no formal peace treaty was signed — leaving North and South Korea technically at war. The DMZ has remained one of the world's most fortified and enduring cold war legacies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chicago race riot of 1919 ignites On July 27, 1919, racial tensions in Chicago erupted when 17-year-old Eugene Williams, an African-American, was struck and drowned after crossing an informal race line on Lake Michigan's South Side beach. White beach-goers had stoned him, triggering outrage. Over the following week, violence rocked Chicago — the dead included 38 (23 Black, 15 white), and more than 537 were injured. Image Credit: Chicago History Museum Property damage exceeded 1,000 homes, and Black residents retaliated following a lack of police protection. It became one of the bloodiest episodes of the Red Summer of 1919, illustrating systemic racism, segregation and the upheaval driven by the Great Migration — urban Black veterans resisting entrenched oppression. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
Economic Times
19 hours ago
- Economic Times
APJ Abdul Kalam's 10th death anniversary: Remembering the man who taught India to dream through his life, ideas and words
File Photo: Dr APJ Abdul Kalam On 27 July 2015, India lost one of its most beloved public figures. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam collapsed mid-lecture at IIM Shillong and died shortly after from cardiac arrest. He was news hit hard. Not just in government offices or scientific circles, but in schools, homes and colleges across the marks nine years since that moment. A day people still recall with clarity and India pauses to remember him, his legacy remains more relevant than Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The youngest of five, his family led a modest life. To support them, Kalam sold newspapers as a boy. He studied by lamp-light, often late into the night. He wasn't just a curious student, but a determined earned a physics degree from St Joseph's College in 1954, then studied aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of early years weren't easy. But they shaped the man who would one day launch missiles and shape young joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958. In 1969, he moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). That's where he led the team behind SLV-III, India's first satellite launch vehicle, which successfully placed the Rohini satellite into returned to DRDO in the 1980s and headed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It was here that he helped develop the Agni and Prithvi missiles. This earned him the title that would stick for life, the 'Missile Man of India'. He also played a key role in planning and executing the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This put India firmly on the world's nuclear map. In 2002, Dr Kalam defeated Lakshmi Sahgal to become India's 11th was the first Muslim to complete a full term in the post. And more significantly, he redefined the made it about travelled constantly, spoke to students, wrote books, and pushed conversations about science, education and development. He had a message, especially for the young:"Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action."Many still call him the 'People's President'. Not as a label, but as a lived after leaving Rashtrapati Bhavan, Kalam never slowed down. He kept writing, teaching, and speaking. His books like Wings of Fire, Ignited Minds, and India 2020 remain popular. He didn't just talk about change, he tried to make it happen. He worked with Dr Soma Raju to create a low-cost stent for heart patients, named the Kalam-Raju stent. He also championed rural healthcare, sustainable development, and youth 1992 and 1999, he was the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister and served as DRDO received the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in universities and institutions awarded him honorary never changed him. He remained simple, accessible and focused on the next the evening of 27 July 2015, Dr Kalam was at IIM Shillong, speaking on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth".Midway through his lecture, he collapsed. A massive heart attack took him body was flown to Rameswaram. Thousands, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid their last he never really left. Not in spirit. His ideas still echo in classrooms, laboratories and policy Kalam believed in action. In learning. In resilience. He often shared this with young people. Here are some of his most memorable quotes, in his own words: "Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life." "Determination is the power that sees us through all our frustrations and obstacles. It helps us with building our willpower, which is the very basis of success." "If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun." "Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success." "Let us sacrifice today so that our children can have a better tomorrow." "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." "To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal." "If you fail, never give up because FAIL means — First Attempt In Learning." "Youth should not accept any compromise or lower their sights. A society that makes its youth crawl in conformity and enforces dogmas on their aspirations can never flourish." "The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom." "Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work." "Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around." "Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurialism, and moral leadership among students and become their role models." "We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting from economic prosperity coupled with civilisational heritage." Dr Kalam was a scientist. A teacher. A president. But above all, he was someone who believed in potential — especially in the potential of India's years since his passing, the country still draws strength from his life and his words. His vision was always bigger than the that is what continues to move people, to think, to act, and to believe in something better.
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Time of India
APJ Abdul Kalam's 10th death anniversary: Remembering the man who taught India to dream through his life, ideas and words
On 27 July 2015, India lost one of its most beloved public figures. Dr APJ Abdul Kalam collapsed mid-lecture at IIM Shillong and died shortly after from cardiac arrest. He was 83. The news hit hard. Not just in government offices or scientific circles, but in schools, homes and colleges across the country. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence others Project Management Design Thinking Operations Management Data Analytics Technology Data Science MCA Management CXO Digital Marketing Degree PGDM Finance Leadership Product Management MBA Public Policy Healthcare Others healthcare Data Science Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details Today marks nine years since that moment. A day people still recall with clarity and sorrow. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo As India pauses to remember him, his legacy remains more relevant than ever. A childhood forged in struggle Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam was born on 15 October 1931, in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. The youngest of five, his family led a modest life. Live Events To support them, Kalam sold newspapers as a boy. He studied by lamp-light, often late into the night. He wasn't just a curious student, but a determined one. He earned a physics degree from St Joseph's College in 1954, then studied aeronautical engineering at the Madras Institute of Technology. Those early years weren't easy. But they shaped the man who would one day launch missiles and shape young minds. Building India's space and defence strength Kalam joined the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 1958. In 1969, he moved to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). That's where he led the team behind SLV-III, India's first satellite launch vehicle, which successfully placed the Rohini satellite into orbit. He returned to DRDO in the 1980s and headed the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. It was here that he helped develop the Agni and Prithvi missiles. This earned him the title that would stick for life, the ' Missile Man of India '. He also played a key role in planning and executing the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This put India firmly on the world's nuclear map. A scientist who became President In 2002, Dr Kalam defeated Lakshmi Sahgal to become India's 11th President. He was the first Muslim to complete a full term in the post. And more significantly, he redefined the presidency. He made it about people. He travelled constantly, spoke to students, wrote books, and pushed conversations about science, education and development. He had a message, especially for the young: "Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action." Many still call him the 'People's President'. Not as a label, but as a lived truth. A legacy beyond office Even after leaving Rashtrapati Bhavan , Kalam never slowed down. He kept writing, teaching, and speaking. His books like Wings of Fire , Ignited Minds, and India 2020 remain popular. He didn't just talk about change, he tried to make it happen. He worked with Dr Soma Raju to create a low-cost stent for heart patients, named the Kalam-Raju stent . He also championed rural healthcare, sustainable development, and youth leadership. Between 1992 and 1999, he was the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister and served as DRDO Secretary. He received the Padma Bhushan in 1981, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990, and the Bharat Ratna in 1997. Forty-eight universities and institutions awarded him honorary doctorates. Recognition never changed him. He remained simple, accessible and focused on the next generation. Final moments that echo still On the evening of 27 July 2015, Dr Kalam was at IIM Shillong, speaking on "Creating a Livable Planet Earth". Midway through his lecture, he collapsed. A massive heart attack took him away. His body was flown to Rameswaram. Thousands, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, paid their last respects. But he never really left. Not in spirit. His ideas still echo in classrooms, laboratories and policy debates. Words to live by Dr Kalam believed in action. In learning. In resilience. He often shared this with young people. Here are some of his most memorable quotes, in his own words: "Never stop fighting until you arrive at your destined place, the unique you. Have an aim in life, continuously acquire knowledge, work hard, and have perseverance to realise the great life." "Determination is the power that sees us through all our frustrations and obstacles. It helps us with building our willpower, which is the very basis of success." "If you want to shine like a sun, first burn like a sun." "Man needs his difficulties because they are necessary to enjoy success." "Let us sacrifice today so that our children can have a better tomorrow." "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough." "To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal." "If you fail, never give up because FAIL means — First Attempt In Learning." "Youth should not accept any compromise or lower their sights. A society that makes its youth crawl in conformity and enforces dogmas on their aspirations can never flourish." "The best brains of the nation may be found on the last benches of the classroom." "Look at the sky. We are not alone. The whole universe is friendly to us and conspires only to give the best to those who dream and work." "Those who cannot work with their hearts achieve a hollow, half-hearted success that breeds bitterness all around." "Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurialism, and moral leadership among students and become their role models." "We will be remembered only if we give to our younger generation a prosperous and safe India, resulting from economic prosperity coupled with civilisational heritage." Dr Kalam was a scientist. A teacher. A president. But above all, he was someone who believed in potential — especially in the potential of India's youth. Nine years since his passing, the country still draws strength from his life and his words. His vision was always bigger than the moment. And that is what continues to move people, to think, to act, and to believe in something better.
