Balasore: India on May 9 achieved a significant milestone in its missile development programme, when scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired, for the first time, the indigenously developed air-to-air missile 'Astra' from the integrated test range (ITR) at Chandipur, 15 km from Balasore, according to defence sources.

A prototype of the sleek missile was test launched from a ground based fixed launcher with the help of a booster engine at about 12.15 am (IST) from launch complex number two of the ITR, the sources said.

Astra is considered a new system in India's guided missile development programme.

With solid propellant, the missile has a striking range of 25 to 40 kms.

For analysis and precision of the total system, more trials might be taken up in future and one more trial was scheduled within the next two days, they said.

The trial was witnessed by top DRDO scientists from Hyderabad and those at the ITR.

PTI