New Delhi, July 12 -- With Indonesia keen to acquire Astra, a 180km-plus range beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by the DRDO, the defence ministry has decided to open up the strategic missile sector to private Indian companies. This shift comes as the state-owned manufacturer, Bharat Dynamics Ltd, cannot cater to the growing demands of the armed forces and missile exports to friendly third countries. The successfully tested missile counters the long-range PL-15 E air-to-air missile provided by China to Pakistan in the run-up to Operation Sindoor last year. The Astra Mark 2 will be integrated with Tejas Mark 1-A, MiG-29, Su-30 MKI and Rafale Marine fighters. P6...