defense sector
If you go to Astra Microwave campus early in the morning, you will not hear the sound of heavy machines there. Instead there will be a deep silence. This silence shows that very sensitive and high-tech work is being done here. In clean rooms, engineers work on extremely small microwave components, which later become the eyes and ears of missile, radar, satellite and electronic warfare systems.
Name is small, work is big
In the defense sector, names like BrahMos, Akash and Tejas are widely discussed, but very few people know that all these systems have important components made by Astra Microwave. This company works behind the scenes, but is the backbone of almost every major defense platform.
Where other companies hesitated, Astra stepped in
In the late 90s and early 2000s, India was dependent on imports for microwave and RF systems. These are systems that have to function flawlessly even in extreme temperatures, shocks, radiation and high frequencies. Very few Indian companies were ready to venture into this level of engineering. Astra Microwave made its way to this challenge.
The hardest work comes first, the strength comes first.
Astra focused on high-difficulty engineering—RF systems, microwave modules, antennas, power amplifiers, and telemetry—rather than mass production. Here even a mistake of one millimeter can cause the entire system to fail. This is the reason that once Astra’s system is installed in any platform, it cannot be changed.
Continuous expansion without noise
Today Astra Microwave is deeply integrated into missile seekers, surveillance radars, airborne electronic warfare pods, satcom payloads and naval systems. The company prefers to stick to a few select but high-value systems rather than adding new products.
Strength visible in figures
The company’s annual income crossed Rs 1,051 crore in FY25. In the last three years, profits have grown at a compound rate of about 58%. The order book is more than Rs 1,900 crore, which shows future stability. Although defense orders show fluctuations on a quarterly basis, the picture remains strong in the long term.
Not defense, actually deeptech company
It is an incomplete truth to call Astra only a defense company. Microwave engineering is a deeptech capability based on physics, which is also used in space, satellite and secure communication. Astra’s participation in ISRO and private space missions is increasing.
What is not visible is most important
Astra Microwave may never be in the headlines, but this company makes systems without which modern warfare and surveillance are not possible. In today’s era, where battles are decided by sensors, signals and electronic intelligence, Astra’s silent role matters most.