NEW DELHI — India successfully test-fired on Friday the Astra air-to-air guided missile from the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in the eastern state of Orissa. Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization, the beyond-visual-range missile will be used to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, DRDO spokesman Ravi Gupta tells Aviation Week. After the last trial, the missile will be integrated on fighter jets like the Su-30MKI and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft.

NEW DELHI — The successful launch of the Indian Space Research Organization’s (ISRO) GSAT-8 geostationary satellite is expected to help civil aviation networks across the country and strengthen safety in Indian airspace.

NEW DELHI — Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony says India’s much-anticipated choice in its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program could occur before the end of March 2012. India wants to expedite the deal in part because Pakistan is expecting a speedy delivery of 50 JF-17 aircraft, which originally were to be spread out over two years, according to defense ministry officials.