In a move set to significantly bolster its maritime combat capabilities, the Indian Navy is poised to equip its incoming Rafale M fighter jets with both the indigenous Astra Mk1A and the European Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM).
This development comes as India and France are nearing the finalization of a deal for 26 Rafale M jets, expected to be concluded by the end of the year.
The integration of these advanced missiles will provide the Rafale M with a potent combination of long-range strike capabilities.
The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is a highly sophisticated BVRAAM with a range exceeding 150 kilometers. Its ability to engage high-speed, high-altitude targets makes it a formidable asset for air defence.
Complementing the Meteor, the indigenously developed Astra Mk1A missile, a product of India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), boasts a range of approximately 105 kilometers. Equipped with active radar homing, the Astra Mk1A ensures precise targeting even against highly maneuverable adversaries.
This acquisition marks a crucial step in the Indian Navy's pursuit of enhanced operational reach and firepower. The Rafale M, already renowned for its versatility and combat prowess, will gain a significant edge in both defensive and offensive operations with the addition of these long-range missiles.
The extended reach provided by the Meteor and Astra Mk1A will allow the Navy to effectively control airspace and engage potential threats far beyond visual range, contributing to a more robust maritime defence posture.
The impending Rafale M deal, valued at an estimated €7.8 billion (approximately ₹70,000 crore), represents a substantial investment in India's naval modernization efforts. These aircraft, to be operated from the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, will form a crucial component of the Indian Navy's carrier air wing.
The addition of the Astra Mk1A to the Rafale M's arsenal also highlights India's growing self-reliance in defence technology, with the DRDO playing a key role in developing advanced weapon systems.
