On the contrary , when we are building a bvr missile series it very much depends on maturity of a certain level to then progress to the next level because user demand vis a vis threat projection borderline keep getting shifted over time. Astra itself started from a 40-45km range when the development started. Today that boundary has shifted to over 100km.
You can not arbitrarily build any range aspect because you start with a defined range figure then prove your technology over this baseline then move to times 2 or 3 gradually. This is where the maturity depends because the end goal is not flying further but to neutralise the threat effectively. This means maturing the guidance scheme, how the target is acquired, how obc handover the control to the seeker unit to direct the endgame guidance , which algorithm to work for the final few moments. Since I say algo and obc, it means there are computer codes involved stored on a tiny pcb , it also means there will always be coding glitches that need solving throughout its lifetime. Very often there are problems, there is never a precise perfect mathematical coding. This is what tech maturity is besides the hardware. It takes huge time to establish even the baseline 45 km astra, and that whole system would not perform up to expected spec when it is at 110km.
We learned dual pulse rocket motor tech with collab jv, and everyone involved have always said positive about it. It means the collab was successful up to expectation and now the use is in almost another 10-12 other projects, probably more. So the getting bare minimum part is not true, you will not be able to prove your statement with hard facts, proof or even by logical interpretation. Its your assumption without any basis.
The reason defence psus exist under Govt ownership is precisely for that, to mass produce at time of need. This is why only a Govt can afford to keep huge org like defence psu and its employee pool, machinery etc without that much order during peacetime but scale it up at short notice. Your consumption decide your intake and requirement volume. A govt can print its fiscal deficit, it can borrow money, it can save money, it can hold precious metals in reserve. But it can not accurately hedge against time or predict the future 100%. The hedge works upto a certain amount. A bird in hand is better than 2 in bush is how every Govt plan for. It is better to save money for wartime use than make the product because the product has a shelf life and explosives can take down the whole volume in its entirety.
Since we are making bvr missiles for the first time, the more existing or sometimes new products(which are based on stable previous product line) products you can acquire, your experience will mature as user and as developer also. So much like in study the more you read the more you get to know and your knowledge baseline expand which you can use to shape your own thought and opinion, science also work like that sometimes. Everything is highly defined scientific fact which fuels new breakthrough. What if this sky sting turns out good and later finds application in many other future programs ? That is always a plus.
