Meteor Maker Resists Its Missile Integration on Su-30MKI and Tejas Jets to Boost European Fighter Jets' Position for MRFA Tender

The European consortium behind the Meteor, one of the world's most advanced long-range air-to-air missiles, is reportedly hindering the Indian Air Force's (IAF) plans to integrate the missile onto its frontline fighter jets, including the Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, and the upcoming Tejas MkII. This strategic maneuver appears aimed at bolstering the prospects of European fighter jets in India's upcoming MRFA competition.

Currently, the Meteor is exclusively deployed on the IAF's 36 Rafale jets. Despite the IAF's desire to expand integration to its indigenous Tejas fighters and Russian-origin Su-30MKI fleet, the European consortium, driven by commercial interests, seems reluctant to oblige.

This reluctance stems from the consortium's desire to leverage the Meteor as a unique selling point for the Gripen-E and Eurofighter Typhoon, both vying for India's MRFA tender for 114 new fighter jets. By limiting the Meteor's integration to European platforms, the consortium aims to create a distinct advantage for these contenders in the highly competitive bidding process.

The Meteor missile, renowned for its beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, active radar homing, and ramjet propulsion system, is a game-changer in air combat. Its extended range and sustained speed offer a significant edge in aerial engagements. However, the consortium's restrictive approach could hinder the IAF's efforts to equip its domestically built fighters with this cutting-edge technology, potentially impacting India's pursuit of self-reliance in defence.

In response to this challenge, India is actively developing its own long-range air-to-air missile, the Astra MkIII. This indigenous missile, currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will also feature ramjet propulsion to enhance its range and engagement capabilities. However, it will likely be several years before the Astra MkIII becomes operational.

The European consortium's stance on Meteor integration adds another layer of complexity to India's MRFA tender. While the IAF seeks to modernize its fleet with advanced weaponry, this restriction may force them to re-evaluate their acquisition strategies. It could also accelerate India's indigenous missile development programs to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

 

[ku.nj727]

India should make it's own long range Air to air and air to ground missile with the help of IIT and some private defence groups bcz DRDO takes too much time

 

[Sandeep]

This is nothing more than a typical white mans exploitation of other developing countries. One can understand that they don’t want to integrate a missile on a system made by Russia who has access to the missiles details on the jets computer but there’s nothing wrong with integrating it on the Tejas MK1A, MK2 and the AMCA which are 100% indigenous jets. On our indigenous jets there is absolutely nothing made by Russia and they don’t have any access to it. Also we are going to upgrade and overhaul all of our Sukhoi jets into Super Sukhoi jets which will replace all Russian equipment and technology with indigenous systems which will prevent Russia from gaining any information from the jets as well.

MBDA have shot themselves in the foot by taking this decision as they have lost the opportunity on selling more missiles to our large air force on a long term basis for decades. If they thought that this rejection will make India buy the Rafale or euro fighter in large numbers for the MRFA competition then they have made a fatal decision. The MRFA isn’t going to proceed at all because it’s just too expensive, we won’t get the critical technology or get to make as much as we would like to indigenously.

 

[Amit]

We will always face these issues unless and untill we develop our own systems..we need to spend more and efficiently on our defence programs and hire the best talent from around the world..the private sector has to pitch in and work with govornment sectors and government...all bottlenecks has to be removed

 

[Surendra Barsode]

The question is - Do we need Meteor on our aircrafts when we have Astra II and III coming up soon. If anything is found wanting in them compared to Meteor, then DRDO should be asked to develop it soon.

 

[Raju Ghose]

India should explore russian side for similar missiles, and try to manufacture under licence in India. There should not be any problem in integration to su30s.

 

[abdullahkhan]

They are reluctant means they want to negotiate and get more money and more orders. The fear of integrating on Russian platforms is there but that could be mitigated contractually. I think India should negotiate hard with Europeans, given the significant orders coming in the future. India should keep them guessing and in the meantime get these minor items resolved in the meantime.

 

[Sridhar]

Absolutely. Isreal has better missiles than meteor in their Airforce.

Israel has DERBY ER, PYTHON, AIM 120 C and D, AIM120C and D are comparable to METEOR. Not superior.

 

[Pad UwU]

Then if this is the reality.... We should either choose Gripen or Eurotyphoon instead... If we buy big chunk of they might reconsider to soften their reluctancy and give way to integrate meteor to our other jet aircrafts especially if we buy more meteor bvraam

 

[Pad UwU]

If this is done deliberately then all European fighters should be banned from participating in MRFA and possibly all future projects.
These guys don't even supply BVRAAMs to all the Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Mirage 2000 export countries like Egypt.

In my opinion because they want us to buy a European aircraft that is capable of using meteor weapons.... Then they might gave in if we buy more meteor so we can demand to integrate it also to other aircraft

 

[james mani]

Put Trade off With conditions to MBDA should agree to Arm IAF Fighter's with long range Air to Air Missiles if MRFA tender To Rafal or Typhoon or Gripen
Any Futre buy on European Systems

 

[VedantaKiran]

Surely there will be a Russian version of the same missile. Nothing to worry. DRDO will crack this puzzle and may as well create a better version.

India should bar such firms from its procurement list.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Let DRDO work on ramjet engine. We have developed expertise in dual pulse motors. In parallel they should start a project for 3 pulse motor and make 250+ KM missile based on it. Israel is deriving an air to air variant of its 3 pulse motor Stunner surface to air missile. The existing surface to air missile is a part of Davids sling.

 

[kinzelle]

Missles are one thing india is good at developing so imagine if their greed backfires and india goeas ahead with homegrown solutions for both aircrafts and payloads 😂

 

[vijaybabuh]

Every fighter planes manufacturer is playing funny with us take challenge to produce our own engines by hook or crook or stealing technical

 

[sishir]

Our country did not have any normal aircraft with 100 percent indian products. We started developing Tejas and Tejas 2. Still having many teething issues to settle. We must buy American aircraft which would be best suited by IAF. Under the new administration coming in We need to give lollipop to keep them happy for other industries to get there quote of exports. If and when we have an issue with mighty China no European country can stand along with us. May be usa 🇺🇸 may stand.

 

[Deepak Anant Hegde]

Then if this is the reality.... We should either choose Gripen or Eurotyphoon instead... If we buy big chunk of they might reconsider to soften their reluctancy and give way to integrate meteor to our other jet aircrafts especially if we buy more meteor bvraam

LOl ! U mean, give in to their blackmail ?