New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- In a significant indigenous boost for the Indian Air Force pilots, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is going to extend the range of the Astra Mark 2 air-to-air beyond visual range missiles to over 200 kilometres.

According to a detailed proposal to be discussed by the Defence Ministry in the near future, the Indian Air Force is also set to acquire around 700 Astra Mark 2 missiles, which will be fitted on the Sukhoi and Light Combat Aircraft fighter jet fleets of the force, defence officials told ANI.

As per earlier plans, the Indian premier defence research agency was looking at a range of around 160 plus Kms for the Astra Mark 2, but is now going to work on developing a variant with a range...