IAF's Urgent Need: Closing the Air-to-Air Missile Gap with Pakistan

The 2019 aerial engagement between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) highlighted a critical vulnerability in India's Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) capabilities. This article analyzes the situation, its implications, and potential solutions.

The Range Disparity​

• Meteor's Limited Reach: While the IAF's Rafale aircraft possess the advanced Meteor missile (200 km range), their small numbers (36) significantly reduce its overall strategic impact.
• Pakistan's PL-15E Advantage: Pakistan has acquired the Chinese PL-15E BVRAAM, which out-ranges India's Astra Mk1 (110 km) on the Su-30MKI. While the PL-15E's exact capabilities are uncertain, it presents a tactical challenge.
• Astra MkI Shortages: The IAF's order of 250 Astra MkI missiles is insufficient for its 260+ Su-30MKI fleet and growing LCA-Tejas Mk1A force. A larger order (500-1000 missiles) is crucial.

The Widening Gap​

• Older Fighters at Risk: India's Mirage 2000 and MiG-29UPG fleets are equipped with the MICA and R-77, which are vastly outranged by both the PL-15E and AIM-120C. Modernization is urgently needed.
• Astra MkI Integration Uncertain: The planned integration of the Astra MkI with the MiG-29K fleet may not automatically translate to an upgrade for MiG-29UPGs due to inventory limitations.
• Astra MkII Delays: The Astra MkII, designed to exceed the PL-15E's range, is under development. However, its deployment is uncertain, leaving the IAF vulnerable.

Strategic Consequences​

• PAF's Tactical Advantage: Pakistan's large-scale adoption of the PL-15E on its JF-17 and J-10CE fleets grants them the ability to potentially engage the IAF at greater distances, forcing India into a defensive position.
• Looming Threat of PL-17: The potential availability of the export variant of the PL-17 – with an even longer range (250 km+) – could further worsen the situation.

Recommendations​

• Prioritize Astra MkI Production: Increase the Astra MkI order substantially to equip all frontline fighters.
• Address Legacy Fleets: Explore immediate upgrades for the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29UPG, either by integrating Astra MkI or procuring a modern Western BVRAAM.
• Fast-Track Astra MkII & MkIII: Accelerate the Astra MkII development program and lay the groundwork for the next-generation Astra MkIII to ensure a long-term technological edge.

Conclusion​

The growing disparity in BVRAAM capabilities between India and Pakistan is a critical concern for the IAF. Urgent action is needed in missile procurement and indigenous development to ensure the IAF retains air superiority and maintains its strategic strength in the region.

 

[shivkumar sinha]

Tiny nations are bullying us already. But these people are trying to appease them. Giving financial assistance to Maldives, rescuing Pakistani fishermen, ....

Can you name single nation ? Leave aside tiny nation,self proclaimed 'superpower' China fled with tails between legs when IA beaten them badly in Galwan , Pangong so and Yangste.What nonsense are you talking man?

 

[shivkumar sinha]

When? by the time you stop gap with PAF they will have 5th gen aircraft. You are always chasing behind

I never talk about PAF that can't survive even 24 hours in an engagement against IAF . Bharat has always its primary enemy PLA in its cross hair .

 

[Baka007]

Those who underestimate the enemy are bound to be under foreign powers for another 1000 years. Our ancestors were brave but tactless and arrogant. We all knew the result.

Even after losing the mighty mig21 and our Sukhois were sitting ducks only capable of dodging incoming missiles, these guys will never learn. 😅

 

[Baka007]

That's what happens when u elect corrupt and inefficient people to power.
And don't do anything about it. Remain as a subservient subject.

Yes Scamgress was a mistake.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

Another Hitjob article as elections are approaching. PL15's capabilities are itself never proven, leave about PL15E. Another piece of Coronastan's overhyped junk just like the Junk-17. BTW Astra Mk2 is already is ready for induction in limited numbers & it will take "quite" some time before Bhikharistaan operationalizes the PL15Es. Bunch of CCP paid idiots raising their heads before the elections

Astra mk2 is not ready, only one test has been done... It will be inducted by 2027 earliest

 

[NSR]

Astra Mk I with 110+ kms range missile is already qualified on SU-30MKIs, Mig-29s/29Ks, and Tejas I and so far 248 numbers ordered, 200 for IAF and 48 for IN.
Need to order in thousands and test them on other fighters like Jaguars and Mirage-2000UPGs, if possible, and equip them soon.

Astra Mk II with 160+kms range is undergoing flight trials and is about to be completed by end of 2024.

Astra Mk III with range above 300+ kms is in its infancy with ground testing going on. It is based on Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) technology. It would take a while to complete, and it will be India's Meteor BVRAAM missile.

India must plan well and accelerate productions and adaptations on other fighters to meet the urgent threats from two enemies.

 

[Alok Gupta]

The writer is writing for money. He is promoting Astra MK1. However, the IAF is waiting for Astra MK2 to come out before ordering in large numbers. Right now Pakistan will not dare to launch an attak on India and each Indian armed force branch knows that. They are buying a lot of Chinese weapons that everybody knows are hyped for their performance and they lack in quality. There is no need for IAF to rush into a large order of the Astra MK1 when what they really need is a longer range missile. Why should they amass a redundant weapon when the enemy is buying longer range weapons. It is money wasted.

 

[HardQuestions]

This govt didnt do anything extra ordinary other than ordering some planes with cash which easy job, executing MRCA is the tough job thats delayed by 10 years now. No tankers, no new awacs, no new fighters, lagging in missile capacity because of which we already suffered, mig 21 still in service, amca approval after 9 years, tejas mk2 approval after 8 years, 32 squadrons - all these in iaf. Navy, Army stories are even bigger. Still the mute media.

 

[Prashu Sam]

I never talk about PAF that can't survive even 24 hours in an engagement against IAF . Bharat has always its primary enemy PLA in its cross hair .

PAF not surviving 24 hrs is another dream. Most war games shows that PAF will sustain atleast 2 weeks war with India with significant damage to Indian targets (non-nuclear) and it will end into stalemate.

It will be very difficult to achieve full air supremacy over PAK and if any it will be for high cost for India. This is not me, These reports shared with India from several Indian as well as other independent agencies and Probably MoD is aware of that, although they do not want to accept it publicly. Tactically PAF is always better prepared than IAF. They study and put counter measures against India at much early stage. You can see the evidence in drones, loitering ammunition, 5th Gen aircraft, 4+ Gen fighters like JF-17, Decent air defense systems etc acquired by PAK much before IAF can wake up from sleep.

So please stop dreaming and assess the reality without prejudice and biases and you will see picture differently.

 

[Akshay]

What a irony , world 5th largest economy is fighting hard to bridge the gap with IMF bailout bankrupt Pakistan .

70th Years of ignorance won't be undone in 10 years i guess.

 

[Sandeep]

This govt didnt do anything extra ordinary other than ordering some planes with cash which easy job, executing MRCA is the tough job thats delayed by 10 years now. No tankers, no new awacs, no new fighters, lagging in missile capacity because of which we already suffered, mig 21 still in service, amca approval after 9 years, tejas mk2 approval after 8 years, 32 squadrons - all these in iaf. Navy, Army stories are even bigger. Still the mute media.

What nonsense! You say things as if the government did nothing. You ignore the other critical technology advances we have made along with the private sector investing heavily and producing a lot of weapons.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to quickly develop and increase our BVRAAM range and capability. Currently we need to develop Astra IR, Astra 2 and Astra 3 which will allow us to hit incoming threats from a long range as 100km is not far enough.

Also we shouldn't be so worried about the Chinese weapons as they are faulty, unreliable and don't perform as they are supposed to but India must still take back its advantage. Also we currently have a lot of Russian missiles that have the long range and won't expire for a decade or more so we should use them up before we produce our long range missile. However we need to develop the long range technology as quickly as possible but produce it in a cost effective and sustainable way which doesn't lead to any wastage.

 

[Sandeep]

Need to order in thousands and test them on other fighters like Jaguars and Mirage-2000UPGs, if possible, and equip them soon.

There was multiple orders of the missile as they slowly introduce it to other type of jets.

 

[SOUMYADEEP MONDAL]

Last I saw we have around 250 meteors on order.

 

[Sandeep]

PAF not surviving 24 hrs is another dream. Most war games shows that PAF will sustain atleast 2 weeks war with India with significant damage to Indian targets (non-nuclear) and it will end into stalemate.

It will be very difficult to achieve full air supremacy over PAK and if any it will be for high cost for India. This is not me, These reports shared with India from several Indian as well as other independent agencies and Probably MoD is aware of that, although they do not want to accept it publicly. Tactically PAF is always better prepared than IAF. They study and put counter measures against India at much early stage. You can see the evidence in drones, loitering ammunition, 5th Gen aircraft, 4+ Gen fighters like JF-17, Decent air defense systems etc acquired by PAK much before IAF can wake up from sleep.

So please stop dreaming and assess the reality without prejudice and biases and you will see picture differently.

Perhaps you should stop your delusions! Pakistsn has got a ageing, unreliable, technological deficient Air Force. If India launched a first strike then at least 80% of jets will be destroyed before they can even fly. Most critical technology will be destroyed and Pakistan doesn't even have a proper indigenous jet as the junk fighter is mostly from China and other jets like the F16 have serviceability or technical issues.

They can't even afford to feed its own people or fuel their jets. India has already got powerful air defence coverage from the BMD, S400, MR-SAM, Akash, Spyder, QRSAM etc which makes it impossible for Pakistan to succeed in launching any air assault.

Pakistan doesn't have any good weapons that they can threaten India with and if we prepare for a attack very well then we can certainly take back POK. India can cut off POK with the rest of Pakistan by following the current border of Kashmir to trap and cut off their troops on the LOC forcing them to surrender.

 

[BCharlie]

what is Range of I Derby ER .......??? Range Fall short even of Astra MK1 , No need of Help of Israel in BVR Missile Astra MK3 is under development which will have Range over 250 kM.

Derby ER has max range of 100km.. and that too manufactured-designed by Ratheon USA .. Israel repaints & sells it.

 

[BCharlie]

Astra mk2 is not ready, only one test has been done... It will be inducted by 2027 earliest

maybe 2027 .. big maybe

 

[BCharlie]

I never talk about PAF that can't survive even 24 hours in an engagement against IAF . Bharat has always its primary enemy PLA in its cross hair .

Good.. always remember when you are trying to fight an elephant, its always the ant that bites.

 

[PKS]

If we are really serious about closing the gap with PAF, then decisions regarding the range of missiles for example, must be taken away from the DRDO.

 

[Tls Mani]

While Chinese and Pakistani aim to take giant steps, DRDO still wants to take baby steps.