SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
India and France are gearing up for joint trials of the Astra missile on Rafale fighter jets later this year. The trials will begin with captive flight tests, where the missile is carried but not launched, and progress to live firing exercises likely starting next year.
This development follows a 2022 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Dassault Aviation Ltd. This agreement paves the way for integrating Indian-made weapon systems onto the Rafale jets.
The Astra Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3 missiles, all Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs), will be the first Indian weapons integrated into the French jets. BDL also plans to integrate the DRDO-developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) for long-range precision attacks.
The MoU opens doors for India to potentially export these weapon systems to other Rafale operators in the region.
The Rafale will become the third fighter jet in the Indian Air Force (IAF) to carry Astra missiles, following the Su-30MKI and LCA Tejas Mk1A. The Astra will replace the ageing MICA missiles, offering superior range and capabilities. However, the more advanced Meteor BVRAAM will remain the top-of-the-line option on the Rafale fleet.
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