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.

 

[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.