The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has advanced its STAR missile project to Phase-III. During this phase, the missile undergoes multiple flight tests to ensure its readiness. The STAR missile, a distinctive indigenous design, simulates high-speed threats for the Air Force, Army, and Navy, providing an effective target practice solution. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also serves as a noteworthy alternative to existing missiles like BrahMos.
In this third phase, DRDO engineers meticulously assemble the missile, integrating components such as the engine, navigation, and control systems. The missile is then flight-tested under war-like conditions to evaluate its precision, reliability, and efficacy.
Insights gained from these tests refine the missile to better meet military requirements. DRDO is conducting tests across various weather conditions and environments to ensure compatibility with ground and aerial systems. Success in these trials could lead to limited production for training and further evaluations.
Source: aajtak
STAR Missile Matches BrahMos in Speed
The STAR missile is engineered to fly with the agility of modern missiles, achieving speeds over 2.5 Mach (approximately 3,062 km/h). This allows the missile to rapidly change direction and altitude, preparing soldiers for quick decision-making and precise responses in real combat.
Source: aajtak
A Versatile Missile for Every Theatre
The adaptable design of the STAR missile allows for seamless modification to suit various mission profiles, serving the Air Force, Army, and Navy alike. In Operation Sindhur, India utilized 'Banshee Target' drones as decoys, a task that the STAR missile could perform more effectively.
Aerial Missile: Extended Reach
DRDO is developing a STAR variant deployable from fighter aircraft like the Tejas, enhancing capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. This version could prove invaluable in exercises aimed at neutralizing adversary radars or AWACS systems, strengthening India's strategic advantage in operations akin to Sindhur.
Source: aajtak
Ground Missile: Long-Range Efficacy
The STAR missile is also capable of ground launches, enhanced with boosters for extended range. It may be launched from vehicles or stationary platforms, simulating land-to-land or shore-to-ship scenarios even in challenging terrains, without reliance on expensive equipment.
Ramjet Engine: Swift and Lightweight
Featuring a liquid-fuel ramjet engine, the STAR missile utilizes atmospheric oxygen, minimizing onboard fuel needs, thus maintaining a lightweight frame and sustaining high-speed operations.
Source: aajtak
Building Blocks for Future Missiles
Beyond training applications, the STAR missile serves as a testing platform for DRDO's ramjet technology and future missile developments, facilitating projects like AWACS killers, anti-radiation missiles, and budget-friendly cruise missiles, expediting innovation while mitigating risk. With STAR, India is gearing towards crafting swift, cutting-edge missiles.
Key Features of the STAR Missile
Speed: Between 1.8 and 2.5 Mach
Altitude: Ranges from 100 meters to 10 kilometers
Range: Spans 55 to 175 kilometers
Flight Duration: Lasts between 50 and 200 seconds
The STAR missile marks a significant stride in fortifying India's defense capabilities. Its affordability, speed, and adaptability assist the military's readiness for conflict while paving the way for next-generation missile systems.
