'ASTRA' missile test fired for the second day from ITR

Balasore, Orissa, Sep 14 (UNI) For the second consecutive day today the air-to-air short range missile 'ASTRA', was successfully test fired from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur-on-sea, about 15 kms from here.

ITR sources said the guided missile, having a strike range between 25 km and 40 km, was test fired at 1147 hours from the launch complex of the ITR using a booster engine.

The missile, developed indigenously by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), was yesterday successfully test fired at 1205 hours.

The Astra missile had been developed keeping in view the three-pronged defence system for metropolitan cities, particularly after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US.

Powered by solid propellant, ''Astra'' has put the country after Russia and NATO to develop such a sophisticated missile.

UNI XC DP DPM RD 1215