India’s STAR Missile project has entered Phase-III development as DRDO engineers conduct full-system integration and advanced validation trials. Phase 3 in missile development focuses on system validation through extensive flight testing. Engineers integrate all subsystems, including propulsion, guidance, and control, into a full-scale prototype. The missile undergoes multiple live trials under simulated combat conditions to evaluate accuracy, reliability, and overall performance. Data collected from these tests helps the team fine-tune the design and ensure the missile meets operational requirements before entering production.

DRDO’s STAR Missile Strengthens Air, Land, and Naval Combat Preparedness

DRDO is currently developing the STAR Missile to simulate supersonic threats across air, land, and naval domains. Consequently, once completed, armed forces will conduct live interception drills using fast, maneuverable targets that mimic real missile behavior. Moreover, this indigenous solution aims to provide a cost-effective way to train personnel and improve response strategies against future aerial threats. Additionally, the technology has potential applications beyond training and could become an affordable alternative to BrahMos and other missiles.

Simulating Advanced Threats with Precision and Speed

The STAR Missile travels at over Mach 2.5, matching the speed of modern anti-ship cruise and standoff weapons. It performs sharp maneuvers and rapid altitude changes, forcing operators to use advanced tracking and engagement systems under pressure. This simulative environment prepares defense units to react quickly against time-sensitive threats in future high-stakes combat scenarios.

Built for Multi-Platform Flexibility and Tactical Relevance

The missile’s modular design allows rapid reconfiguration based on mission profiles, terrain requirements, and service-specific deployment needs. This adaptable nature ensures DRDO can modify STAR to fulfill training and strike simulation roles across the tri-services. During the operation sindoor India used “Banshee Target” drones as decoys and decoys like STAR will be even more useful.

Air-Launched Variant Offers Strategic Reach

DRDO is developing an air-launched STAR version for fighter platforms such as LCA Tejas for air-to-air & air to ground combat roles. These version may support Anti-Radiation and Anti-AWACS missions by offering target realism and engagement readiness at tactical range. Airborne deployment expands STAR’s reach and utility during joint-force deployment like operation sindoor and rapid response simulations.

Ground-Launched Version Brings Extended Range

Adding booster stages enables STAR to launch from ground vehicles or static platforms for strike training and longer endurance. The ground-based version serves as a versatile tool in simulating surface-to-surface or shore-to-ship supersonic missile engagements. The Commanders can deploy STAR across rugged or remote locations without expensive setup or launch infrastructure.

STAR Missile Uses Efficient Ramjet Propulsion

The STAR Missile uses a Liquid Fuel Ramjet engine that breathes atmospheric air during flight for sustained high-speed travel. This design reduces internal fuel load, lowers weight, and increases flight duration without compromising speed or maneuverability. DRDO engineers selected this technology to maximize performance and minimize system complexity during repeated field testing.

Enabling Breakthroughs in Next-Gen Missile Projects

STAR also acts as a live test platform for DRDO’s ramjet engine programs and future missile propulsion development efforts. Technologies validated on STAR feed into other systems like the AWACS Killers, Tactical Anti Radiation Missiles and low cost fast cruise missile, boosting India’s high-speed missile capabilities. This shared innovation approach shortens development cycles and reduces risk for operational next-generation missile projects.

STAR Missile Technical Overview

• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 to 2.5
• Altitude Range: 100 meters to 10 kilometers
• Operational Range: 55 to 175 kilometers
• Flight Time: 50 to 200 seconds

These specifications allow STAR to replicate agile, fast-flying enemy missiles under various environmental and operational conditions.

STAR Now Under Final System Evaluation

Phase-III testing focuses on complete mission scenarios, repeated launches, and reliability assessments across different environmental conditions. DRDO engineers are also validating safety protocols and checking integration compatibility with ground and airborne support systems. After successful testing, DRDO may greenlight limited production for user testing, training and further system adaptation trials.

DRDO Continues to Lead India’s Missile Innovation

Today, DRDO stands as a missile powerhouse, having mastered most critical technologies. While the ramjet propulsion in BrahMos originated from shared technology, the missile now features significant indigenous content. With the STAR Missile, DRDO aims to close this remaining technological gap by developing a versatile system that India can deploy widely. Unlike BrahMos, STAR promises a cost-effective solution that reduces reliance on expensive imports while meeting multiple operational needs.