IAF takes a strategic step, bolsters Meteor missile arsenal amid Astra Mk3 production delays

Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to make a strategic decision to bolster its acquisition of Meteor missile, a European active rar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). This expansion is a result of delay in development and production of Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR), also known as Astra Mk3, by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

Astra Mk3, intended to enhance India's air-to-air missile capabilities, is still five to six years away from entering production and has yet to undergo airborne developmental trials. In light of this delay, IAF is increasing its reliance on Meteor missile. Overcoming initial integration challenges, IAF is now able to equip a broer range of aircraft with this formidable BVRAAM, thanks to development of indigenous rar systems. 

Integration challenges overcome 

Initially, manufacturer of Meteor missile, MBDA, restricted its integration with Russian and Israeli Fire Control Rars (FCR), limiting missile's deployment to specific aircraft in Indian fleet. Notably, this restriction affected its integration with Su-30MKI and Tejas Mk1 fleets. Meteor missile is celebrated for its significant "No Escape Zone" (NEZ) against fighter-sized targets, providing a substantial vantage in air-to-air engagements. 

To tackle se integration challenges, IAF is embarking on two crucial initiatives. First, Su-30MKI fleet's Russian rar systems are being replaced with domestically developed Virupaksha Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) rar, part of "Super-30" Upgre Proposal by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This upgre facilitates integration of Meteor missile with Su-30MKI, a significant enhancement in aircraft's air-to-air capabilities. 

Uttam AESA rar for Tejas Mk1A 

Secondly, Tejas Mk1A fleet is poised to receive Uttam AESA rar, developed by Electronics and Rar Development Establishment (LRDE). This rar system eliminates previous objections raised by MBDA, ensuring seamless integration of Meteor missile onto Tejas Mk1A. 

While IAF has alrey acquired approximately 250 Meteor BVRAAMs for its 36 Dassault Rafale fleet, relying solely on Rafale fleet for deployment is seen as a limitation when enforcing aerial superiority. Given limited number of Rafale aircraft in IAF's inventory, dressing this limitation is crucial. 

To dress this concern, IAF is taking steps to equip Su-30MKI squrons with locally developed Astra MkI BVRAAMs. Soon, LCA-Tejas squrons will follow suit. Furrmore, Astra MkII, with an improved range exceeding 160 kilometers, is scheduled to undergo comprehensive testing later this year against aerial targets. This vanced missile is expected to enter production in under two years, furr bolstering India's air-to-air missile capabilities. This strategic move enhances India's air combat capabilities and ensures reiness for a range of scenarios in region.