In a move aimed at bolstering its air defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to equip its upcoming Tejas Mk1A fighter jet squadrons with indigenously developed Astra Mk1 air-to-air missiles.
These squadrons, expected to be operational later this year, will be strategically stationed at Nal Air Base in Bikaner, Rajasthan, a mere 200 kilometers from the India-Pakistan border.
This development underscores the IAF's commitment to modernizing its fleet and enhancing operational readiness in strategically sensitive areas.
The Astra Mk1 is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) with a range exceeding 110 kilometers. Equipped with advanced guidance systems, the missile allows the Tejas Mk1A to engage aerial targets with high precision, even in complex operational environments. This capability is crucial for the IAF, particularly in the context of Combat Air Patrols (CAPs) and interception operations.
The deployment of Tejas Mk1A squadrons armed with Astra Mk1 missiles at Nal Air Base is a strategic move that strengthens India's air defence posture along its western border. The base's proximity to the border allows for swift response times and enhanced surveillance capabilities in the region.
This initiative aligns with the IAF's broader modernization efforts, which include phasing out older aircraft and inducting advanced fighter jets like the Rafale and the Tejas Mk1A. By integrating domestically produced weapons systems like the Astra Mk1, the IAF is also reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers and promoting indigenous defence manufacturing.
