The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to significantly enhance the firepower of its domestically-produced Tejas fighter jets. Negotiations are underway with the European missile manufacturer MBDA to equip the Tejas Mk1A and the future Tejas MkII with the advanced Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
Currently, the Meteor missile is only deployed on the 36 Rafale fighter jets India purchased from France, and will also be integrated onto the 26 Rafale M aircraft slated for the Indian Navy. The IAF's initiative aims to extend this cutting-edge capability to its indigenous aircraft.
The Meteor is renowned for its exceptional performance in air combat, largely due to its ramjet engine, which provides a much larger "no-escape zone" – the area within which a target aircraft cannot outrun the missile – compared to conventionally powered missiles. According to MBDA, the Meteor has a no-escape zone several times greater than that of current medium-range air-to-air missiles.
By integrating the Meteor onto the Tejas platforms, the IAF would substantially boost India's air superiority. The move would equip the country's homegrown fighters with one of the world's most capable BVRAAMs, improving their operational effectiveness and helping to counter potential threats from neighboring countries.
Furthermore, the discussions between the IAF and MBDA include the possibility of establishing a production line for the Meteor missile system within India. MBDA's potential investment in local production represents a strategic deepening of defence cooperation and a commitment to long-term collaboration.
The need to integrate the Meteor is also driven by the development timeline of India's own Astra MkIII BVRAAM. While the Astra MkIII promises significant capabilities, it is not expected to be ready for production for another five to seven years.
The Meteor would therefore serve as a crucial interim solution, ensuring that the IAF's fighter fleet remains at the forefront of air combat capabilities. The Astra Mk I is already in service with the IAF, with ranges reported around 110 km, while the Mk III is expected to have the range above 300km.
The successful conclusion of these talks could herald a new era in Indo-European defence partnerships. The Meteor missile could become a central element of India's air combat doctrine for the coming years. Integrating it onto indigenous platforms like the Tejas emphasizes India's dedication to both self-reliance in defence technology and maintaining a modern, powerful air force.
