IAF Seeks to Equip Tejas Fighter Jets with Meteor Missiles Until Indigenous Astra MkIII is Ready, Explores Local Production

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.

 

[Ammoman]

Yes, MBDA will send you a big box with all the parts with it and you assemble it. Just buy the missile. They will never give you any IP, so why bother. At least MBDA will deliver.

 

[P2S2]

Yes, MBDA will send you a big box with all the parts with it and you assemble it. Just buy the missile. They will never give you any IP, so why bother. At least MBDA will deliver.

Sharks teeth will face anyone entering our air space. A couple of production facilities need to be built to address a massive shortage if another war happens anywhere as per the situation with 155m projectiles. Doesn't matter who owns them. They will be needed. Upgraded efficiencies in what we know and have.

 

[sanket]

Good. As I was saying for 100 times, MBDA France was reluctant to integrate its Meteor missile onto other platforms. Finally, somehow, they are showing some signs. Similar to the ASRAAM deal, a deal should be signed with MBDA France for local license production of Meteor. Apart from the indigenous fighter jet Tejas MK1A, and Tejas MK2, it should be first integrated on the Mirage-2000 with an RBE-2 derivative or with the Uttam AESA Radar. Finally, the French are waking up, as they must be smelling that they will lose their edge in the defense sector. Now, all eyes are on the engine offer from the French.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

We are on the right path, we must redouble our efforts in R&D with required funds and lure the brightest brains to work for us.

 

[Provocateur Extraordinaire]

The French, being past masters in price gouging, this offer too is suspect. They will continue to delay its operationalising until they know if they have secured the new contract for additional Rafales. Even after that, they will further delay it until they see Astra Mk 3 coming into shape. Only then will it come into play, if at all.

 

[Leo red]

Make sure we have critical components supply after receiving this missiles. West is good in stopping supply.

 

[Aravind]

Before showcasing the Gandiva missile, they said they won't allow the Meteor missile to be integrated if the jet is not holding a European radar.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Once we develop our own tech, they will try to stop further development.

 

[R. Singh]

Govt of India should help HAL to integrate AIM series of BVRAAMs apart from Astra by inking deal with USA !

 

[Tls Mani]

Instead, outsource Astra Mk III & expedite induction. Don't fall for bait. It will never come up & the cost will be prohibitive.

 

[P2S2]

Good. As I was saying for 100 times, MBDA France was reluctant to integrate its Meteor missile onto other platforms. Finally, somehow, they are showing some signs. Similar to the ASRAAM deal, a deal should be signed with MBDA France for local license production of Meteor. Apart from the indigenous fighter jet Tejas MK1A, and Tejas MK2, it should be first integrated on the Mirage-2000 with an RBE-2 derivative or with the Uttam AESA Radar. Finally, the French are waking up, as they must be smelling that they will lose their edge in the defense sector. Now, all eyes are on the engine offer from the French.

Mirage 2000. 5 has upped the ante in Ukraine.

 

[Mc Addy]

One aircraft with 4 such missiles like meteor is enough headache for a full jet squadron 200km away so yes , we must go Ahead to first buy and integrate into Tejas so things speed up with integration of this meteor BVRM and then seek its local production and also go on to develop Astra Mk3 .why not have both on board on platform so it become difficult for enemies to counter and Tejas becomes effective in air to air combat fast.

 

[P2S2]

The Astra Mk3 or Gandiva outranges the Meteor with a larger kill zone... So now MBDA and its "baap" will agree on all sorts of integration!! ... Hilarious!

We could go out of the way and assist the
" baap " elsewhere in his domains as we too are family.

 

[P.K Senapati]

If the indigenous ASTRA Mk2 and ASTRA Mk3 missiles are as good as the Meteor, then why go for the import? One side, we plan to be less dependent, self-reliant, and even plan to reduce [our reliance on] Soviet missiles. Why the love for French/UK missiles?

 

[P2S2]

If the indigenous ASTRA Mk2 and ASTRA Mk3 missiles are as good as the Meteor, then why go for the import? One side, we plan to be less dependent, self-reliant, and even plan to reduce [our reliance on] Soviet missiles. Why the love for French/UK missiles?

Family Geopolitics

 

[Ben]

The Astra Mk3 or Gandiva outranges the Meteor with a larger kill zone... So now MBDA and its "baap" will agree on all sorts of integration!! ... Hilarious!

 

[P2S2]

Govt of India should help HAL to integrate AIM series of BVRAAMs apart from Astra by inking deal with USA !

HAL is GOI. Just one desk to another in-house. That's the beauty of ownership.