IAF Pursues Cutting-Edge Close-Combat Missile for Future Air Superiority

The Indian Air Force (IAF), following the successes of the Astra Mk1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and development of the MkII and MkIII variants, is turning its focus towards bolstering its close-combat capabilities.

The IAF aims to acquire a domestically developed close-combat air-to-air missile (CC-AAM) to standardize its fighter fleet's short-range weaponry.

The Need for a Unified CC-AAM​

A common, indigenously designed CC-AAM would streamline the IAF's fighter jet armament across its diverse fleet. It would reduce logistical complexities and potentially offer cost savings in maintenance and training.

The IAF envisions this missile incorporating a next-generation infrared (IR) seeker, providing improved target tracking capabilities crucial for the intense maneuvering common in close-range combat.

Focus on Indigenous Development​

This development aligns with India's push toward self-reliance in defense technology. The DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) is tasked with leading this new missile development project.

The decision to pursue a dedicated CC-AAM likely stems from the reported scrapping of a plan to modify the Astra Mk1 BVRAAM into a medium-range, dual-seeker missile, similar in concept to the European MICA missile.

Addressing Immediate and Future Needs​

While pursuing a long-term solution, the IAF is also addressing its immediate close-combat missile needs. It's procuring ASRAAM (Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile) and Python-5 missiles for its LCA Tejas Mk1 and Mk2 fighters.

Notably, the ASRAAM, also termed the NG-CCM (New Generation Close Combat Missile), will undergo some level of domestic production in India.

The AMCA Factor​

The IAF's vision for its upcoming Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) likely plays a significant role in the desire for a new CC-AAM.

This next-generation fighter jet will necessitate cutting-edge air-to-air capabilities, and a domestically developed, advanced CC-AAM is envisioned as part of its arsenal.

Range Considerations​

While traditionally CC-AAMs prioritize agility for dogfighting, this new missile is expected to have some medium-range capability (over 50km).

This extended range would bridge the gap between short-range engagements and the operational distances of modern BVRAAMs.

Conclusion​

The Indian Air Force's initiative highlights a strategic approach toward strengthening its air combat dominance.

By simultaneously developing advanced BVRAAMs (Astra series) and a cutting-edge CC-AAM, the IAF is ensuring it has the tools for success in both long-range and close-quarters engagements, both with its current fleet and future flagship fighter.

 

[sanket]

Yeah Good , IAF is always Late . Trials should have been started by Now for CCM, Now From here it may take 5 to 7 years to develop this Missile. and then Trials , Induction. DRDO have good records in Missile developments.

 

[ABHIJIT APSINGIKAR]

Yeah Good , IAF is always Late . Trials should have been started by Now for CCM, Now From here it may take 5 to 7 years to develop this Missile. and then Trials , Induction. DRDO have good records in Missile developments.

I would not go as far as to say DRDO record in missile development has been good. Juxtaposed to other projects it has been decent, but even that is nothing to write home about and to celebrate. Even those missile programs have suffered from persistent delays and cost overruns. In DRDO history there is not a single program that was developed either before or on time.

 

[Pink Panther]

Vympel R-27 A2A with a range of 2-42km used in samar Air defense system could be copied with advance homing to make very short A2A missile.

 

[Mango_Indian]

While it makes India proud that we have Astra BVR missile in production and accepted by IAF, what happened to Astra Mk2 trials which are now 2 plus years overdue ?

Please update when we can expect first tests of Astra Mk2 along with this CCM

 

[Satya Dev]

Why can't we reverse engineer?

 

[Agar]

Why can't we reverse engineer?

reverse engineer what?

 

[NSR]

With the advancements in various missiles and their technologies, it will be easy for India to develop this close range missile with proper investments approvals.
Not such a big deal for India.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

No urgency for CCM missile. Python and ASRAAM are ok for now. They do job well. Anyways, most of the air to air fighting happens BVR anyways. CCM wpuld be used to destroy drones and other stuff. Like the F22 used CCM sidewinder to kill the balloon.

 

[kumar]

If only IA had the mindset of IAF atleast.

 

[Sandeep]

India is already designing and developing the 100% indigenous Astra IR or CC-AAM which will have a range of up to 50km. DRDO need to quickly develop this crucial missile so that we don't have to rely on expensive imports. We also need them to quickly develop the Astra MK2 and MK3 missiles as we need the extra range where we can take out targets in safety from within our borders.

If they can find a startup who can develop these missiles then we should definitely allow it as they will develop them much quicker and have the talent. We can offer them our testing facilities such as wind tunnels to engine thrust which will help them.

 

[Fly]

While it makes India proud that we have Astra BVR missile in production and accepted by IAF, what happened to Astra Mk2 trials which are now 2 plus years overdue ?

Please update when we can expect first tests of Astra Mk2 along with this CCM

They stopped giving updates on major projects after the media spread misinformation on projects like ITCM & VLSHORAD 😗
Now the updates come 1 year later from the defence reviews at the end of the year

 

[Fly]

Why can't we reverse engineer?

Reverse engineering will take the same amount of time as developing one from scratch for DRDO

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

While it makes India proud that we have Astra BVR missile in production and accepted by IAF, what happened to Astra Mk2 trials which are now 2 plus years overdue ?

Please update when we can expect first tests of Astra Mk2 along with this CCM

Astra Mk 2's update was stopped since 2022 after drop test from Su-30MKI, while Mk 3's test was carried out last year along with Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet which seems to be in a more advanced stage than Mk 2.

 

[kumar]

Why do we need CC-AAM?
It's out of date.
Now BVR AAM is used.
First see.
First fire.
First kill.

Close combat is a last-century idea.

When Pak used Aim 120C,range 110 kms Su 30 backed because their Su 30's range was 80 km.

 

[nakul1307]

Why do we need CC-AAM?
It's out of date.
Now BVR AAM is used.
First see.
First fire.
First kill.

Close combat is a last-century idea.

When Pak used Aim 120C,range 110 kms Su 30 backed because their Su 30's range was 80 km.

Thats why they couldn't hit even one. CCM still very useful for 4th gen.

 

[Ajath]

Good to hear that IAF is looking for desi WVRM . ASTRA missile can be modified into WVRM without consuming much time.

 

[Mango_Indian]

They stopped giving updates on major projects after the media spread misinformation on projects like ITCM & VLSHORAD 😗
Now the updates come 1 year later from the defence reviews at the end of the year

Wonder what prevents them from just putting an update on their website after an event or release through PIB.

 

[beencensured]

No urgency for CCM missile. Python and ASRAAM are ok for now. They do job well. Anyways, most of the air to air fighting happens BVR anyways. CCM wpuld be used to destroy drones and other stuff. Like the F22 used CCM sidewinder to kill the balloon.

A country the size of India with its depth of talents must make them at any cost. You depend on foreign missile means you are the biggest boozo who will put a nuclear power in peril. Tell when would Israel sale, or Europe give codes for those missile to disable them? Has that happen in past? Since that has happen in past then why depend? It is absolute shameless arms lobbyist who die for foreign every second while the world goes away from has been white elephants.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

A country the size of India with its depth of talents must make them at any cost. You depend on foreign missile means you are the biggest boozo who will put a nuclear power in peril. Tell when would Israel sale, or Europe give codes for those missile to disable them? Has that happen in past? Since that has happen in past then why depend? It is absolute shameless arms lobbyist who die for foreign every second while the world goes away from has been white elephants.

You have terrible english, i dont understand what you are saying. But I am not saying we should not develop it, i am saying no need to rush it. We are working on a lot of missiles right now, other systems like long range missiles and air to ground missiles take priority after all In dia has limited resources