STAR MISSILE

Current Context: India has successfully tested the indigenously developed Supersonic TARget (STAR) missile, ending the country’s dependence on costly imported target systems for missile training exercises.

ABOUT STAR MISSILE

• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• Purpose: To simulate realistic threats for training India’s armed forces in missile interception and defence systems
• Nature: Not a combat weapon — mimics enemy missiles for training

Variants:

• Air-Launched STAR:
  • Can be launched from fighter jets like LCA Tejas
  • Simulates air-to-air and air-to-ground strikes including Anti-Radiation and Anti-AWACS roles
• Ground-Launched STAR:
  • Truck-mounted, mobile
  • Can be launched from shorelines or remote areas

Key Features:

• Two-stage propulsion:
  • Solid booster rocket for launch
  • Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) for sustained supersonic speed
• Speed: Mach 1.8 – 2.5
• Altitude: 100 metres – 10 kilometres
• Range: 55 – 175 kilometres
• Flight time: 50 – 200 seconds
• Simulates sea-skimming and high-altitude attack profiles
• Highly manoeuvrable and can perform evasive movements
• Allows radar and missile systems to practice interception
• Option for safe recovery or detonation after mission