In News:

India has developed the Supersonic TARget (STAR) missile — an indigenous, reusable high-speed target system designed to reproduce modern cruise-missile and anti-ship threat profiles for realistic training and validation of sensors, weapons and doctrines. STAR replaces expensive imported target systems and fills a critical gap in live realistic training for the Navy, Air Force and Army.

What STAR does

STAR is not a combat weapon but a high-fidelity aggressor platform that simulates hostile supersonic missiles so air defence systems, shipborne weapons and interceptor pilots can practise time-critical engagements under realistic conditions. It can mimic sea-skimming runs, steep dives and evasive manoeuvres to test detection, tracking and interception chains end-to-end.

Key technical features

• Propulsion: Two-stage system — a solid booster for launch followed by a Liquid Fuel Ramjet (LFRJ) for sustained supersonic cruise. The ramjet experience is also being matured for future systems (e.g., Astra Mk-3 development).
• Speed: Mach 1.8–2.5 (roughly 612–850 m/s).
• Altitude & profiles: Operates from low sea-skimming heights (as low as ~12 feet above water) up to ~10 km, and can execute high-speed dives and complex manoeuvres.
• Range & flight time: Designed for missions between 55–175 km with flight durations of ~50–200 seconds, enabling diverse scenario replication.
• Variants:
  • Air-launched STAR (carried by combat aircraft such as LCA Tejas) to emulate air-to-air or air-to-ground supersonic threats and anti-radar/anti-AWACS profiles.
  • Ground-launched STAR (truck-mounted) for shore-based or remote launches without extensive infrastructure.
• Operational utility: High manoeuvrability, programmable trajectories and safe recovery/destruction options make it suitable for repeated use in trials.

Operational and strategic significance

• Realism in training: STAR provides time-critical, live target practice that simulations alone cannot offer — particularly valuable against low-altitude, high-speed cruise profiles which compress engagement timelines.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Fully indigenous development reduces dependency on foreign target systems, cuts recurring costs, and supports domestic missile-R&D ecosystems. STAR is reusable and cost-effective relative to imported alternatives.
• Force integration: Its modular design serves tri-service needs, helping calibrate ship radars, point-defence systems, interceptor missiles, and fighter tactics in joint exercises.
• R&D multiplier: The ramjet and guidance technologies validated on STAR feed into broader missile-development programs, strengthening long-term indigenous capabilities. Analysts also view STAR as a potential seed technology that could be adapted into tactical offensive roles in the future (e.g., anti-radar or precision suppression platforms), should doctrinal decisions and legal frameworks permit.

Development status and outlook

As of mid-2025, STAR progressed into advanced development and flight validation phases — integrating propulsion, guidance and control subsystems and conducting combat-style trials. Operational induction for routine service trials and training is anticipated as tests mature.