Indian Army and IAF Seek to Equip Archer-NG with Two Astra Mk1A BVRAAMs for Enhanced ISR and Combat Roles

In a move set to significantly advance India's military unmanned systems, the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are planning to arm their next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with indigenous air-to-air missiles.

This initiative aims to transform the primary role of these drones from surveillance and reconnaissance to include formidable combat capabilities.

The plan involves integrating the Astra Mk1A, an Indian-developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), onto 87 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs that are slated for procurement.

According to official sources, the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) is spearheading the effort to equip the Archer-NG UAV with two Astra Mk1A missiles.

The Archer-NG, an advanced version of the existing Tapas-BH-201 UAV, is a leading contender in this procurement program.

This development marks a crucial step in India’s air combat strategy by creating a versatile unmanned platform.

Each Archer-NG UAV would be equipped not only for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions but also to engage and neutralise aerial threats.

The Astra Mk1A missile, with an effective range of 110 kilometres, would enable the drone to counter slow-moving targets such as attack helicopters and other UAVs, and could even pose a threat to enemy fighter jets operating in contested airspace near the borders.

The operational doctrine for this new capability is particularly innovative.

The Archer-NG will feature an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which serves a dual purpose: conducting detailed surveillance and providing fire control for launching the missiles.

A key feature of this system is its network-centric approach.

A missile launched from the UAV can receive mid-course guidance updates via a secure data link from manned fighter aircraft like the Su-30MKI or Tejas, or from Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft such as the DRDO Netra and the IAF's Phalcon systems.

This allows the drones to act as forward-deployed weapon platforms, controlled by personnel operating from safer distances deep within Indian airspace.

While the Archer-NG is a prime candidate for this upgrade, the integration of the Astra missile is part of a broader push to weaponise India's MALE UAV fleet.

The procurement process is expected to see competitive offers from various public and private sector companies, reflecting the nation's growing self-reliance in the defence sector.

The successful integration of the Astra Mk1A onto a UAV platform will represent a pioneering achievement for India's indigenous defence industry and provide a significant boost to the nation's unmanned combat capabilities.

 

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[sanket]

Good, all the Astra Mk1 should be transferred to integration on MALE UAVs in a phased manner.

Even Ghatak and Loyal Wingman can be integrated after Astra Mk2 enters into production and induction is started, while all other manned fighter jets should be integrated with Astra Mk2, Astra Mk3, and R-77M/R-37M (a stop-gap purchase by the time Gandiv/Astra Mk3 enters into production).

A double line for production should be started for Astra Mk2 with at least 200 to 225 units per year.

 

[Hawkeye]

Wonder if it is a smart idea to integrate A2A missile on a slow moving UAV.

There are more chances of the missile falling into enemy hands. Something like Pinaka should be integrated.

 

[Mc Addy]

The way forward is this: make the warhead heavy so even if it targets ground-based assets, there will be damage. The British made such a missile that could do all the work, from air-to-air, and air-to-ground, and surface-to-air.

 

[Mc Addy]

We need to make fewer types of weapons, but ones that can do many tasks. Too much of all sorts of hardware complicates real action.

 

[Dredd]

Not a bad idea, but having slow-moving, non-stealthy MALE drones near the border at a time of conflict will be easy targets for enemy SAM and A2A missiles. I don't think they can evade any missiles fired upon them.

 

[Bhishma]

Wonder if it is a smart idea to integrate A2A missile on a slow moving UAV.

There are more chances of the missile falling into enemy hands. Something like Pinaka should be integrated.

Not really. It will mostly be loitering within our territory. Pinaka and A2A are meant for two different things.

 

[Bhishma]

Not a bad idea, but having slow-moving, non-stealthy MALE drones near the border at a time of conflict will be easy targets for enemy SAM and A2A missiles. I don't think they can evade any missiles fired upon them.

They can't evade, but they can force the enemy to fire their missiles, which will: 1) deplete the enemy's missiles; 2) give away their positions.

 

[Bhishma]

This is a good strategy. I think the OPFOR has revealed some gaps in the defence. We can't cover the entire border with SAMs and fighters. For the missing gaps, we can plug them with these. These are vulnerable to enemy fire, no doubt, but to even get close, the enemy fighter will be equally vulnerable.

 

[Mayank393]

But the big question is where is archer ng ?

 

[Dredd]

They can't evade, but they can force the enemy to fire their missiles, which will: 1) deplete the enemy's missiles; 2) give away their positions.

These drones will cost approx 20-30 million dollars each. We have Lakshya as a targeting drone for which the Pakistani defence fell.

 

[Bhishma]

These drones will cost approx 20-30 million dollars each. We have Lakshya as a targeting drone for which the Pakistani defence fell.

Archer's cost is $6M. The cost of Brahmos is in the $5M range. The cost of Astra Mk1 is around $1M. This will have the ability to launch Astras, so the cost is not that high. Plus, we have offensive capability.