SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant development for India’s air combat capabilities, Anglo-French missile manufacturer MBDA is currently engaged in discussions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to broaden the integration of the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) into more Indian-made fighter jets. Until now, the Meteor has been exclusively deployed on the 36 Rafale jets acquired by India from France and is slated for integration with the upcoming 26 Rafale M aircraft for the Indian Navy.
According to sources close to idrw.org, the talks aim to extend the Meteor’s capabilities to India’s indigenous platforms, notably the Tejas Mk1A and the forthcoming Tejas MkII. The Meteor, known for its unparalleled performance in air-to-air engagements, boasts a significant “no-escape zone” due to its advanced ramjet propulsion, making it a game-changer in modern aerial warfare.
Integrating the Meteor into the Tejas series would significantly enhance India’s air superiority by providing its homegrown fighters with one of the world’s most sophisticated BVRAAMs. This move would not only bridge the capability gap with neighbouring air forces but also boost the operational flexibility of the Indian fleet.
Discussions also involve the potential establishment of a local production line for the Meteor missile system in India. This step would align with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing. MBDA’s willingness to set up production in India could be seen as a strategic move to deepen defence ties and ensure long-term collaboration.
The urgency to integrate Meteor stems partly from the development timeline of India’s own Astra MkIII missile, which, despite its promising capabilities, is still 5-7 years away from entering production. Until then, the Meteor would serve as a critical interim solution, ensuring that the IAF’s fighter jets maintain a competitive edge.
The outcome of these discussions could mark a new chapter in Indo-European defence relations, with the Meteor missile potentially becoming a cornerstone of India’s air combat strategy for the next decade. The integration into Indigenous fighters like the Tejas would not only elevate their combat effectiveness but also underscore India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology while ensuring its air forces remain at the cutting edge of modern warfare.
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