The Indian Air Force (IAF) is upgrading its Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) with the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), a modern European missile, signaling a move away from the older, Russian-made R-73 missiles.
Recent confirmations of the ASRAAM being fitted on the Tejas Mk1A demonstrate the IAF's commitment to improving the aircraft's close-combat fighting ability.
The R-73 (known by NATO as AA-11 Archer) has served as the IAF's main short-range air-to-air missile for many years, including on the earlier Tejas Mk1. While the R-73 has been a dependable and effective weapon in close-range fights, its technology is based on Soviet-era designs.
Newer missiles have since emerged with superior range, more sophisticated sensors, and better maneuverability. The IAF's choice to use the ASRAAM on the Tejas Mk1A indicates a need for a more cutting-edge missile to deal with modern aerial threats.
The ASRAAM, produced by the European missile manufacturer MBDA, provides considerable advantages over the R-73. The ASRAAM significantly improves the Tejas Mk1A's capacity to engage enemy aircraft in within-visual-range (WVR) combat.
It boasts a longer engagement range of up to 50 kilometers (compared to the R-73's 30 kilometers), a more sophisticated infrared seeker, and enhanced maneuverability.
According to MBDA, the ASRAAM's high off-boresight capability enables the missile to lock onto targets at extreme angles, giving pilots a significant advantage in dogfights. Furthermore, the missile's advanced seeker technology offers improved resistance to enemy countermeasures, enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness.
The changeover to the ASRAAM is being implemented gradually. The IAF intends to replace the R-73 missiles on its Tejas Mk1A fleet progressively as more ASRAAM missiles become available.
A key advantage of integrating the ASRAAM is the plan for its production within India. MBDA has stated its intention to work with Indian defence companies to manufacture the missile locally.
This will guarantee a consistent supply for the IAF while facilitating technology transfer and creating jobs. This approach aligns with India's wider goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing, as demonstrated by programs like the Tejas and other missile systems.
The domestic production of the ASRAAM is expected to lower costs, increase availability, and allow Indian firms to develop expertise in advanced missile technology.
This development could lead to future indigenous missile projects, such as enhancements to the Astra missile series or the creation of new short-range air-to-air missiles designed specifically for the IAF's needs.
Currently, the main priority is incorporating the ASRAAM into the Tejas Mk1A fleet, with manufacturing expected to increase in the coming years to support both current and future aircraft.
Besides the ASRAAM, the Tejas Mk1A is also equipped with the Python-5 close-combat missile (CCM), supplied by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
The Python-5, considered one of the most advanced short-range air-to-air missiles globally, has been approved for operational use by the IAF. Integrating it into the Tejas Mk1A further strengthens the aircraft's capabilities in close-range combat, working in conjunction with the ASRAAM to give pilots a diverse range of options for WVR engagements.
