SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The European consortium responsible for developing the Meteor, one of the world’s most advanced long-range air-to-air missiles, is reportedly not keen on supporting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans to integrate the missile on its frontline fighter jets like the Super Su-30MKI, Tejas Mk1A, and the upcoming Tejas MkII. Currently, only the 36 Rafale jets in India’s arsenal are equipped with the Meteor missile, despite the IAF’s interest in expanding the missile’s integration to other indigenous and Russian-origin platforms.
Besides the Rafale, the Meteor has been integrated with the Gripen-E and Eurofighter Typhoon, which are contenders in India’s Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 114 fighter jets. Industrial sources close to idrw.org reveal that the European consortium has reservations regarding the Meteor’s integration on Russian-origin platforms and has shown reluctance to support its deployment on Indian-made jets like the Tejas Mk1A. This stance appears to be a deliberate strategy, with the consortium aiming to position the Meteor missile as a unique selling proposition (USP) for European fighters in India’s MRFA competition. By limiting the Meteor to European platforms, the consortium is possibly creating a competitive advantage for its missile-equipped fighter jets in the tender process.
The Meteor missile, known for its beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, is considered a game-changer in air combat with its active radar homing and ramjet propulsion system, which enables extended range and sustained speed. However, the consortium’s unwillingness to expand integration options for the missile could impact the IAF’s plans to equip its domestically built fighters with cutting-edge weaponry, thereby restricting the operational flexibility of Indian platforms.
Meanwhile, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing its own long-range air-to-air missile program. The Astra MkIII, currently under development, will utilize ramjet propulsion to enhance range and engagement capabilities similar to those of the Meteor. However, the Astra MkIII is still in its development phase, and it could take several years before it becomes operational.
As the IAF continues its efforts to upgrade and indigenize its air combat capabilities, the stance of the European consortium on the Meteor’s integration may prompt India to accelerate its indigenous programs. The situation also adds a new layer of complexity to India’s MRFA tender, where contenders like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Gripen-E could gain an edge with the exclusive advantage of the Meteor missile.
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