Tejas, the light combat aircraft (LCA) successfully demonstrated an air-to-air beyond visual range (BVR) missile firing capability by releasing Derby missile in radar-guided mode. The missile launch was performed in lock-on after launch mode for a BVR target in the look down mode and the target was destroyed.

The objective of the test was to assess the Derby integration with aircraft systems on-board Tejas including the aircraft avionics, fire-control radar, launchers and missile weapon delivery system and to verify its performance.

The test was conducted on a manoeuvrable aerial target at the interim test range (ITR), Chandipur. The sensors at ITR also tracked the target and missile.

A safe separation was followed by missile guidance towards radar acquired target. The flawless launch was demonstrated with all on-board systems performing satisfactorily and the missile scored a direct hit on the target with complete destruction of it. The test firing achieved all its planned objectives. The Derby firing is a major step towards clearing BVR capabilities on LCA aircraft for FOC.