India's Astra BVRAAM Missile Set for Rafale Trials Later This Year, Can Boost Export Potential

In a significant development for both nations' air defence capabilities, India and France are set to conduct joint trials of the Indian-made Astra missile system on the French-manufactured Rafale fighter jets later this year.

This landmark collaboration, underpinned by a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Dassault Aviation Ltd., is expected to propel India's air power and potentially open new export opportunities.

Initial captive flight tests, where the Astra missile will be carried but not launched, will pave the way for live firing exercises anticipated in 2025.

The integration of the Astra Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) onto the Rafale marks the first instance of Indian weapons being incorporated into the French jets.

Furthermore, BDL aims to integrate the indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) for enhanced long-range precision strikes.

The successful integration of the Astra missile system onto the Rafale platform could unlock potential export avenues for India, allowing it to provide these advanced weapon systems to other Rafale operators in the region.

The Rafale, already a formidable multi-role fighter aircraft, will become the third jet in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to carry Astra missiles, following the Su-30MKI and LCA Tejas Mk1A. The Astra, known for its superior range and capabilities, will replace the aging MICA missiles currently used by the IAF.

This collaborative effort between India and France not only signifies a deepening strategic partnership but also underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defence technology under the "Make in India" initiative.

The joint trials and potential weapon exports stand to bolster India's position in the global defence market while significantly enhancing the IAF's operational capabilities in the region.

 

[sanket]

Anti-Radiation Missile Rudram series too should b Integrated on Rafale . which Rafale Lacks in weapon package Rudram series icontemporary Missile with Range over 250 kM.Astra Series Should b integrated on Mirage -2000 Fleet too..

 

[Vineet Sharma]

All missiles on all aircraft simply stand for most logical way to develop envelope dimensions of platform. This is the way to reduce logistics, inventory and most importantly keeping your flying platform always ready and new for enemy...
Let the enemy keep on guessing.. With which missiles, aircraft is coming towards their territory..

 

[NSR]

The agreement between Dassault and BDL would be a great boon for IAF in particular and India in general.
We can arm Rafale with so many different armaments of Indian origin including Astra I, II, II, and many kinds of bombs.

But India needs additional Rafales to be manufactured in India and not like Mirage-2000 program like buying and again upgrading with expensive contracts.

India can surely use some additional Rafales.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to make an agreement with Dassault to integrate and install all Indian developed and future developed weapons from Astra IR, MK1, MK2, MK3 and Rudram MK1, MK2, MK3 and SAAW, ITCM/Nirbhay and laser guided bombs and precision guided bombs and glide bombs and high speed low drag bombs.

India should install these weapons on the Sukhoi 30, Mig 29, Mirage 2000, Rafale, Tejas MK1A and the future Tejas MK2 and AMCA jets.

 

[Ashish Sandhu]

After Astra Mark 3, will there be Astra Mark 4? If yes, then I am sure that it will be of 500 km range or beyond. That will be more suitable to AMCA.

 

[Pink Panther]

Anti-Radiation Missile Rudram series too should b Integrated on Rafale . which Rafale Lacks in weapon package Rudram series icontemporary Missile with Range over 250 kM.Astra Series Should b integrated on Mirage -2000 Fleet too..

Hard to believe, only when you have access to Source Code, you could integrate other missiles, if this is true?, then let them test on the 36 Rafale’s, we need to be prepared to use these 36 Rafale’s against Pakistan.