SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
According to sources cited by idrw.org, captive trials of the indigenous Astra MkI Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) on the Rafale fighter jet are slated to commence later this year, with live firing trials expected to follow in 2026. The integration effort, led by French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation in collaboration with India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), marks a significant step toward enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air combat capabilities.
Dassault has been tasked with integrating the Astra MkI, which boasts a range of approximately 110 km, onto the Rafale fleet. The partnership will also pave the way for the integration of the more advanced Astra MkII, with a range of 160 km, further strengthening the IAF’s aerial superiority. Currently, the Rafale is equipped with the MICA BVRAAM, which has a range of around 80 km—a capability considered inferior to both Astra variants in terms of reach and engagement flexibility.
The Astra MkI, developed by DRDO, is designed to engage and neutralize enemy aircraft at beyond-visual-range distances, leveraging advanced guidance systems and indigenous propulsion technology. Its integration with the Rafale, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter, will complement the aircraft’s existing arsenal, including the Meteor BVRAAM. The Astra MkII, with its extended range and enhanced seeker capabilities, is expected to provide an edge in long-range engagements, aligning with India’s strategic needs along contested borders.
The captive trials, set to begin in late 2025, will focus on system compatibility and flight performance, with live firing tests scheduled for next year to validate the missile’s combat readiness. This collaboration underscores the growing synergy between India’s indigenous defence ecosystem and international partners, supporting the “Make in India” initiative. The move to replace or supplement the MICA with Astra variants reflects the IAF’s push to reduce reliance on imported weapons while enhancing the Rafale’s lethality against adversaries equipped with advanced fighters like the Chinese J-20 or Pakistani F-16s.
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