SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) No.7 Squadron, famously known as the “Battle Axes”, continues to exemplify precision and power with its fleet of upgraded Mirage-2000TI multirole fighters. Recently spotted armed with an advanced weapons suite—including the Israeli Popeye A2S air-to-surface missile (ASM), MICA IR air-to-air missile, and the AN/ASW-55 data link pod—these aircraft underscore India’s growing capability to project force with pinpoint accuracy. The integration of the Popeye missile, a product of Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, highlights a deepening Indo-Israeli defense partnership and bolsters the IAF’s strike potential in both conventional and standoff scenarios.
Based at Gwalior Air Force Station, the No.7 Squadron has a storied history, notably its decisive role during the 1999 Kargil War, where Mirage-2000s delivered laser-guided bombs with devastating effect. The Mirage-2000TI variant, an upgraded version of the original Mirage-2000H, features enhanced avionics, a Thales RDY-2 radar, and improved electronic warfare systems. These upgrades enable seamless integration of advanced munitions like the Popeye A2S, making it a versatile platform for air-to-surface and air-to-air missions.
Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in the early 1980s, the Popeye is an Israeli air-to-surface missile designed for precision strikes against high-value targets. With a range of 75 to 90 kilometers, the baseline Popeye carries a 350 kg warhead—either high-explosive or penetration variants—and boasts an accuracy of within 3 meters, thanks to its inertial navigation system (INS) augmented by electro-optical or infrared guidance. Launched from high altitudes, the missile’s turbojet engine allows it to cruise at subsonic speeds, evading enemy defenses before delivering its payload.
Recognizing India’s need for a lighter, longer-range option, Rafael developed the Popeye Lite, later marketed as the Raptor or Crystal Maze, between 2003 and 2004 specifically for the Indian market. Weighing 1,100 kg—a significant reduction from the original Popeye’s 1,360 kg—the Crystal Maze features an 80 kg warhead optimized for precision over raw destructive power. Its extended range of 100 kilometers allows IAF pilots to strike targets from well beyond enemy air defense envelopes, a critical advantage in contested airspace.
India took delivery of its first batch of Crystal Maze missiles in 2006, integrating them into the Mirage-2000 fleet. The missile’s lighter weight enhances the aircraft’s payload flexibility, while its advanced imaging infrared (IIR) seeker ensures day-night, all-weather operability. The Crystal Maze has reportedly been tested extensively by the IAF, proving its reliability in India’s diverse operational environments.
The Popeye A2S, now arming the Mirage-2000TI, is an evolved variant, though specific details remain classified. It likely builds on the Crystal Maze’s framework, incorporating upgrades such as improved guidance systems, enhanced data-link capabilities (paired with the AN/ASW-55 pod), and possibly a dual-mode seeker for greater adaptability. The A2S designation suggests an air-to-surface focus with refinements tailored to modern battlefield requirements, aligning with the IAF’s emphasis on standoff precision strikes.
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