India's Defence Acquisition Council has approved the Astra Mk-2 air-to-air missile for the Indian Air Force, enhancing fighter jet capabilities with extended standoff ranges. This development follows years of work on the missile, a successor to the Astra Mk-1. The Astra Mk-2 is designed to strike targets beyond 100 km, building on the Mk-1's range of 80-110 km. The program is reportedly nearing the flight-testing stage, signifying progress in India's indigenous air combat technology.