SOURCE: AFI
At Aero India 2025, a significant announcement was made by a representative of the Indian Navy, confirming that the naval fleet of MiG-29K fighters will be exclusively equipped with the Astra Mk2 Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM). This development marks a clear distinction from the Indian Air Force (IAF), which continues to operate with both Astra Mk1 and Mk2 variants.
The Astra Mk2, a more advanced iteration of the indigenous Astra missile series, is set to enhance the MiG-29K’s capabilities significantly. With an extended range and improved performance metrics, the Mk2 variant is designed to provide a strategic advantage in air combat scenarios, ensuring the Indian Navy’s carrier-based jets maintain superiority in engagements beyond visual range.
A key technological upgrade facilitating this integration is the new Mission Computer (MC) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This advanced computer system has been installed in the MiG-29Ks, enabling a seamless communication interface between the missile and the aircraft’s radar system. This upgrade is pivotal, as it allows for better data integration and processing, leading to more effective targeting and engagement capabilities.
The HAL-developed Mission Computer replaces older technology that was less compatible with modern munitions like the Astra Mk2. By enhancing the computational power and software compatibility, the MiG-29K can now leverage the full potential of the Astra Mk2, including its advanced guidance systems and flight characteristics.
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