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Recent Highlights

Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) is currently working on drone-delivered short-range missiles which will have a range of 1 km to 1.5 km, designed for targets such as vehicles or a gathering of an enemy force or hostile entity. In May 2022, MoD signed a contract with BDL for supply of ASTRA MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy at a cost of INR 2,971 crore under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category. In February 2022, BDL and the Indian Army signed a contract worth INR 3,131.82 crore for the manufacture and supply of Konkurs-M anti-tank guided missiles. The contract will be executed in three years13. HAL has successfully integrated and tested AASM Hammer from Tejas. The air-to-surface munition (AASM) Hammer is a precision-guided munition developed by Safran Electronics and Defence. IAF had ordered the Hammer for HAL Tejas in 2021.

Indian Army has placed orders for six units of Swathi Mark II Weapon Locating Radar with BEL at an approx. cost of INR 400 crores. Mark II is high altitude optimized variant of the Swathi Weapon Locating Radar that has been cleared after going through a fresh round of trials in the mountain terrain. Swathi Mark II Weapon Locating Radar has been developed by LRDE that is mounted on a BEML-manufactured 6×6 truck, instead of the baseline Swathi that is mounted on an 8×8 heavy-duty truck for easier operations in the mountain terrain. Mark II also has some performance improvements over its predecessor which likely will translate into more orders in near future coming from the Army for the new variant.

Indian Army has inducted Igla-S systems recently bought from Russia under emergency procurement. The contract was signed in December 2020 and the equipment was delivered by December 2021. This includes 24 launchers, 216 missiles and testing equipment. Indian Army and IAF also began to induct advanced Spike anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) with longer range and greater armour penetration capabilities. They were ordered under emergency procurements last year. The Israeli family of Spike ATGMs is equally lethal and versatile. The Army is inducting the Spike LR-2 launchers and missiles, which have a ground strike range of 5.5-km, while the IAF is integrating its Russian-origin Mi-17 V5 armed helicopters with Spike NLOS (non-line of sight) missiles that can destroy ground targets around 30-km away.

TASL and L&T have jointly delivered the 100th Akash Air Force Launcher (AAFL) for IAF. AAFL is a multi-technology Weapon Launch Platform for AD Missiles, jointly developed under the IGMDP Program of DRDO by TASL and L&T and produced collaboratively. It comprises a self-powered and fully automated Electro- Mechanical Launching System mounted on a trailer and towed by a prime-mover and is a fully ruggedized all-weather day and night system capable of operating in harsh environmental and terrain conditions.

Adani Defence is setting up South Asia’s largest integrated ammunition complex (spread over 250+ acres and an investment of around INR 1,500 crore) in the Uttar Pradesh Defence Corridor. The ammunition complex will have state-of-the-art technology across small and medium calibre ammunition, along with short-range air defence missiles.

Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Indian industry is living up to the expectations of Make in India, Make for the world. The newly formed DPSUs are not just catering to the domestic needs but also exporting. For example, Advance Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) got its first export order from a European firm for major sub-assemblies of artillery guns. The sub-assemblies are worth INR 6 crore, and the deliveries are expected to be completed this year HAL signed an MoU with Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) in April that may lead to the export of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

The first launch of the Extended Range version of BrahMos missile from Su-30MKI aircraft was conducted in May 2022. With this, the IAF achieved the capability to carry out precision strikes from Su-30MKI aircraft against a land/ sea target over very long ranges.

Recently, DRDO and Indian Navy successfully conducted the maiden flight-test of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile launched from a Naval Helicopter. The start-up – Gurutvaa has delivered Dronaam CUAS to the IAF earlier in May under a contract signed in August 2021. Gurutvaa will be fulfilling the remaining part of the order in the next 4-5 months. The system underwent design review in October 2021 and the first prototype trials were conducted in December 2021. A second trial of a production standard system, which incorporated suggestions from the first trial, was conducted by IAF in February 2022. The Dronaam system is developed completely indigenously and has proved effective at disrupting the GNSS (global navigation satellite system) navigation and jamming radio frequencies of UAVs.

Key air defence and missile technologies/products developed under this cluster include ASAT, Naval anti-ship missile, Pranash surface-to surface missile, Prahaar missile, Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile, Nag missile, Prithvi missile, Agni missile, Beyond visual range air-to-air missile, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System (QRSAM), Akash missile.

BrahMos Aerospace, the joint venture (JV) between DRDO and NPO Mashniostroyenia (NPOM), Russia has developed and produced the fastest supersonic missile in the world. In January 2022, BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) signed a contract with the Department of National Defence of the Republic of Philippines for supply of Shore Based Anti- Ship Missile System to Philippines.

Rosoboronexport and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) have an agreement to work together for the development of Advanced Pyrotechnic Ignition Systems to meet futuristic requirements of high performance propulsion systems for rockets and missiles. This technology development will facilitate design and development of state-of-the-art solid rocket motors for upcoming products. These products will be based on compact and energy-efficient propulsion systems. Under the aeronautical systems cluster, DRDO developed Nirbhay, a long range sub-sonic Cruise Missile capable of deep penetration into adversary territory to strike high-value targets with precision. Currently, the missile is launched from a mobile articulated launcher. It is being adopted for launch from sea and air platforms.

Under the Development cum Production Partner (DCPP) program, DRDO has allowed the private sector to co-develop missile systems with it and then also produce them. Private sector firms have responded very enthusiastically for participation and bids have been received for the Vertically-launched Short-range Surface to Air Missile system (VL-SRSAM) project. The all-weather air defence missile system is being developed to provide point and area defence against various aerial targets like jets, fighter

aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The canister-based state of art weapon system would be able to identify, track, engage and destroy targets with a high kill probability. It has a strike range of about 40 km.

DRDO has developed an Advanced Chaff Technology to safeguard naval ships against missile attack. Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur has indigenously developed three variants of this critical technology — Short Range Chaff Rocket, Medium Range Chaff Rocket and Long Range Chaff Rocket — meeting Indian Navy’s qualitative requirements. Recently, the Navy conducted trials of all three variants in the Arabian Sea on Indian Naval Ship and found the performance satisfactory. The technology is being given to the industry for production in large quantities. DRDO has developed ‘Kautilya’, a spaceborne ELINT payload for satellite platform to intercept ground-based radars across the globe. The system provides high accuracy in direction finding and location fixing of radar transmissions. Two-dimensional Base Line Interferometric (BLI) array consisting of spiral and pyramidal horn antennas as radiating elements has been realized for Kautilya. The spiral BLI array working in the C-D band, has 7 elements mounted in orthogonal axes, one being common for vertical and horizontal BLI arrays for DF in two orthogonal directions, i.e., elevation and azimuth.

CASDIC, an R&D Centre set up under DRDO is carrying out feasibility studies for the integration of an EW suite on the Su-30 aircraft that is considered the first step toward the development of the Airborne electronic attack (AEA) aircraft. AEA platforms are capable of disrupting, deceiving, or denying a broad range of military electronic systems including radars and communications. Su-30 aircraft will retain all the multi-mission capabilities with its validated design and the capability to perform a wide range of enemy defence suppression missions. Su-30 Airborne Electronic Attack aircraft will be carrying tactical jamming pods, communication countermeasures set, EW receiver suite, satellite communications, and a high-performance SIGINT sensor system. DRDO has commenced work on the development of Nag Mk II ATGM to be integrated into MBTs in a twin launcher configuration with each launcher holding one missile. Nag Mk II is an improved lightweight ATGM with performance improvement and a minor range bump. It will also adopt some of the technologies from the Helina program (Helicopter borne ATGM) like the new jet vane control system (JVC) into it.

Ongoing Programmes and Opportunities

In June 2022, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition Proposals of the Armed Forces amounting to INR 76,390 crore under ‘Buy (Indian)’, ‘Buy & Make (Indian)’ and ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ categories. These include AoN for Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) and Weapon Locating Radars (WLRs) for the Indian Army amongst others.

In March 2022, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for Capital Acquisition proposals of Armed Forces amounting to INR 8,357 crore. These include procurement of Air Defence Fire Control Radar (Light) and GSAT 7B Satellite. There is substantial opportunity for the Indian industry once strategic missiles are approved for series production. MSMEs could participate in the supply chain for these missiles. Recent missile tests indicate validation of different missile systems. Some of the successful missile tests since January 2022 till date include Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile Agni-4, Short-range ballistic missile Prithvi-II, Vertical Launch Short Range Surface to Air Missile (VLSRSAM), ATGM HELINA, Akash-NG, Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).

The proposal to buy two new regiments of the Akash Prime missile air defence missiles systems is at an advanced stage. The development is coming at a time when the Indian Army’s Western and South Western commands carried out around a dozen test firings of the existing version of the Akash missiles in the force. A major ongoing program of the Indian Army is the procurement of 220 Air Defence Guns. Further, in May 2022, MoD issued an RFI to procure approximately 250 Long Range Satellite navigation system Guided Missile (LRSGM).

Way Forward

Air defence plays a significant role in protecting the nation’s strategic assets, either static or mobile. India’s air defence requirements are huge. Efforts are underway to make up for critical deficiencies as discussed in the paper.

Going forward, along with need for strategic air defence systems and integrated air defence command, there is a requirement to meet the changing needs posed by the contemporary battlespace. Air defence battle management is a complex, system-of-systems integration with all radars, sensors, weapons, and personnel connected. Its advantages include saving manpower and efficient use of the whole fire chain – one person can operate and respond to the complete chain, support tools to optimize and increase combat effectiveness, technology-enabled warfare strategy and tactics. Netcentric Operations systems must be indigenous since no country will share their warfare tactics. India, as per its perceived enemy profile and the geo-political situation, needs to digitize its concept of operations accordingly.

Ongoing Air Defence Projects (Make 1)

AIP has been accorded for the following:

• Standoff Airborne Jammer
• Directed Energy Weapons (300 KW and more) [high powered electromagnetic devices and highpowered laser devices]
• Communication System (AFNET System Switches, routers, Encryptors and VOIP phones)
• Electro Optical (EO) Pod (with a subsequent upgrade to EO/IR) with highresolution sensing.

Ongoing Air Defence Projects (Make II)

Indian Army

• MEAT (Manoeuvrable Expendable Aerial Target)
• Asibal System (ATGM)
• Medium Range Precision Kill System
• Unit Level Target System – Air Defence
• Mobile Integrated Network Terminal (MINT)
• Integrated Air Defence Combat Simulator
• Mountain Fire Control Radar (Suo Moto)
• HF Software Define Radio (Suo Moto)
• V/UHF Software Define Radio (Suo Moto)
• Drone Kill System
• Laser Beam Riding MANPADS
• Integrated Drone Detection and Interdictions System
• Low Level Light Weight Radar
• Runway Independent Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
• Autonomous – Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarm (Desert)
• Autonomous – Surveillance and Armed Drone Swarm (HAA)

Indian Air Force

• Chaff & flares
• 80 MM Rocket

Indian Navy

• Supersonic Weapon Imitating Flying Target

Extracted from the EY-IMR Knowledge Paper 2022.

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India is developing two advanced variants of the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles – Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 – with one of them capable of striking targets at a range of 160km, when ready, and the other at almost 300km. The missiles are likely to be tested next year and in 2024 respectively, and are among the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) key ongoing programmes. The current Astra Mk-1 variant has a range of around 100km.

Long-range missiles allow fighter jets to shoot down hostile aircraft from a significant standoff range, staying out of the adversary’s air defence envelope.

IAF Orders Astra Mk 1

The defence ministry, on May 31, signed a Rs 2,971-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) to equip the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy with Astra Mk-1 missiles and associated equipment, which was seen as a shot in the arm for “Atmanirbharta”, or self-reliance, in the defence manufacturing sector. DRDO has transferred technology to BDL for the production of the Astra Mk-1 and associated systems.

This is the first such indigenous missile to enter the service of the Indian armed forces, which has always depended on Russian (mainly R 73 and R 77) and French (Mica and Meteor) air-to-air missiles.

The government has ordered 248 missiles, including 48 for the Indian Navy. These will cater to the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI of the IAF and the MiG-29K of the Indian Navy. The Astra Mk 1 missile cost about Rs 7-8 crore each.

The plan is to integrate the missile on board the MiG-29 of the IAF and Light Combat Aircraft ‘Tejas’ Mk 1 in a phased manner.

While the Astra Mk 1 has a range of about 110 kilometres, sources said the real game-changer will be the next-generation version, which will have a long range of about 160 kms.

Astra Mk 1

The all-weather, night-capable missile is designed to engage and destroy fast-maneuvering supersonic aircraft. It is equipped with a fully indigenous active terminal guidance system and advanced electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) to reduce the effectiveness of enemy jamming. The missile also features lock-on before launch (LOBL) and lock-on after launch (LOAL) capability, allowing launching aircraft to take advantage of its reported maximum range of more than 100 kilometers. Astra Mk 1 has a maximum speed of Mach 4.5 (over 5,500 kmph).

The Astra Mk-1 missile has been fully integrated with the Sukhoi-30 fighters and will now add to the capabilities of other combat planes including the Tejas light combat aircraft, the officials said. Also, the navy’s MiG-29K fighters, which operate from India’s sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, will be equipped with the Astra Mk-1 missile.

Retaining Edge Over Pakistan

The IAF had an advantage over its Pakistani counterparts during the Kargil battle in 1999, but lost it in 2010 when the longer-range American AMRAAM was deployed by the latter.

During the aerial clash, India lost one MiG-21 fighter, while its more modern Su-30MKIs were forced to take defensive maneuvers to avoid getting hit by Pakistan’s US-made AIM-120 BVR missiles fired from F-16s.

Pakistan’s victory in this aerial clash may be attributed to its familiarity with India’s Su-30MKIs armed with Russian R-77 BVR missiles and its superior US-made AIM-120 BVR missiles fired from its F-16s.

Pakistan has a known stockpile of 500 AIM-120 BVR missiles for its F-16 fleet, giving it an edge versus India in BVR combat since 2010. It is considered among the most advanced weapon of its type in the world, equipped with an active seeker head with a range of 100 kilometers, in contrast to the export versions of India’s R-77 BVR missile that have a shorter range of 80 kilometers.

The then IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, had on 28 February 2020 said that the force is looking at regaining the upper hand in air-to-air missile capabilities that was “allowed to slip” amid a “struggle” to acquire missiles in a process that has lasted 15 years. The IAF chief was referring to the European-manufactured Meteor missiles, which have a range of about 150 km, which are now on board the Rafale fighters.

Plans to have them integrated with other fighters were ditched, however, because the cost was very high, with each missile costing about Rs 25 crore. Moreover, the European manufacturer of the missile — MBDA — told the IAF that the French-made Mirage 2000 and the Russian Su-30 MKI are not suitable for this missile, because the radars on board these aircraft would not do justice to its capability.

For the Tejas aircraft, MBDA said that the missile can be integrated only when the aircraft is equipped with the indigenous AESA radar, rather than the Israeli one that will be initially used. Following this, the IAF decided to restrict the Meteor missile to the Rafale and rely on better versions of Astra and Israeli I-Derby for its main firepower.

China has developed the PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missile that can hit targets at around 200km, while the Meteor  with a range of around 160 km is considered the best in its class in the western world, and the new Astra variants will put India in the big league.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis has exposed India’s overwhelming dependence on imported weaponry, especially from Russia, and underlined the urgent need for speeding up the indigenisation drive to become self-reliant.

Development Journey

India is developing the Astra series to replace the expensive Russian, French, and Israeli-origin beyond-visual-range missiles.

The development of the Astra missile began in 2001. The Mark-1 version of the missile was tested for the first time in May 2003. Since then, Astra Mark-I has been test-fired multiple times and integrated with Su-30 MKI fighters. Apart from the Su-30 MKIs, it will be integrated with Tejas Mark-1A and upgraded MiG-29s.

India has claimed to have fully indigenized production of the Astra, with the Indian Ministry of Defense saying that the missile had been designed with the need to reduce dependence on foreign sources. An early Astra version was equipped with the Russian Agat 9B-1103M active radar seeker and radio proximity fuse detonation mechanism. Sanctions on Russia – India’s traditional military supplier – could mean that sensitive components such as missile seeker heads may be harder to procure in the coming years.

In 2018, the DRDO informed Parliament that it had formally sanctioned the Astra Mark-2 project, although work had begun informally much earlier. The Mk-2 version is now entering developmental trial.

Ramjet Propulsion

Astra Mark-2 has a range of around 160 km. The new missile will have improved jammer resistance and an indigenous seeker. The missile will be equipped with a dual-pulse rocket motor, which is critical for its long range.

India has tested the technology critical for long-range air-to-air missiles. The latest test of solid-fuelled ducted ramjet (SFDR) technology was conducted in April 2022. The technology was also tested in March and December 2021. Astra Mark-3 is based on the SFDR propulsion, which is critical to the missile’s performance in the terminal phase.

The development of SFDR technology will enable India to make its own long-range air-to-air missile, which could mirror the capabilities of the best missiles in this class, like MBDA’s Meteor, which the Indian Air Force uses on its Rafales.

The Meteor missile also depends on its ramjet propulsion for more energy to manoeuvre during the endgame of the engagement. The ramjet motor [propulsion system] provides the [Meteor] missile with thrust all the way to target intercept, providing the largest No-Escape Zone of any air-to-air missile,” the literature on the missile on the MBAD website reads.

Export Potential

The move to develop the Astra missile with extended range is in line with India’s efforts to improve its aerial warfare capabilities against Pakistan, indigenize its defense industry and potentially position itself as an alternative source of Russian standard equipment.

Astra is economically and technologically superior to many such imported missile systems now in Indian service, such as the Russian R-77, Israeli Derby, and French Meteor BVR missiles.

Moreover, India has included the development of indigenous BVR missiles in its Third Positive Indigenization List, which mentions 101 military items that India aims to produce domestically from 2022-2027.

India may also choose to export its Astra Mk1, capturing a market niche for alternative suppliers of Soviet and Russian-standard equipment as questions rise about their reliability and effectiveness in sight of the losses Moscow has sustained in Ukraine.

International sanctions on Russia may also have made it difficult for its client states to place new weapons orders. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam may opt to purchase the Astra, which may be compatible with their Su-30 fighters and be more capable than the older Russian R-77 missiles which they now have in their inventories.

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The Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 missiles are likely to be tested next year and in 2024 respectively, and are among the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) key ongoing programmes, said one of the officials cited above.

The current Astra Mk-1 variant has a range of around 100km.

The defence ministry on May 31 signed a ₹2,971-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) to equip the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy with Astra Mk-1 missiles and associated equipment, which was seen as a shot in the arm for “Atmanirbharta”, or self-reliance, in the defence manufacturing sector.

DRDO has transferred technology to BDL for the production of the Astra Mk-1 and associated systems.

“Future air combat will be about detecting and striking targets at the farthest possible range. It will be the outcome of increase in the detection ranges of radars and the advent of longer-range missiles. It is important for India to develop missiles like Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 to meet IAF’s requirements,” said Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), director general, Centre for Airpower Studies.

China has developed the PL-15 beyond visual range air-to-air missile that can hit targets at around 200km, while the Meteor with a range of around 160 km is considered the best in its class in the western world, and the new Astra variants will put India in the big league, he added.

The Astra Mk-1 missile has been fully integrated with the Sukhoi-30 fighters and will now add to the capabilities of other combat planes including the Tejas light combat aircraft, the officials said. Also, the navy’s MiG-29K fighters, which operate from India’s sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, will be equipped with the Astra Mk-1 missile.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis has exposed India’s overwhelming dependence on imported weaponry, especially from Russia, and underlined the urgent need for speeding up the indigenisation drive to become self-reliant.

Long-range missiles allow fighter jets to shoot down hostile aircraft from a significant standoff range, staying out of the adversary’s air defence envelope.

India has imposed a phased ban on the import of 310 different types of weapons and systems during the last two years to boost self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector.

These include lightweight tanks, naval utility helicopters, artillery guns, missiles, destroyers, ship-borne cruise missiles, light combat aircraft, light transport aircraft, long-range land-attack cruise missiles, basic trainer aircraft, multi-barrel rocket launchers, assault rifles, sniper rifles, specified types of helicopters, next-generation corvettes and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.

The 310 weapons and systems that have to be developed in the country were notified in three separate positive indigenisation lists published by the defence ministry in August 2020, May 2021 and April 2020.

Since the notification of the first and second lists, contracts for 31 projects worth ₹53,839 crore have been signed by the defence services as of April 2022, according to defence ministry data.

Also, acceptance of necessity (AoN) for 83 projects worth ₹1,77,258 crore was accorded by April 2022, and cases worth ₹2,93,741 crore will be taken up in the next five to seven years.

The domestic industry is likely to receive orders worth ₹2,10,000 crore in the next five years as a result of the third list, according to the defence ministry’s projections.

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ASTRA is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) class of Air-to-Air Missile (AAM) system designed to be mounted on fighter aircraft.

The missile is designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvering supersonic aircraft. The missile has all weather day and night capability. The ASTRA Mk-I Weapon System can be fitted to SU-30 Mk-I fighter aircraft.

In 2019, DRDO successfully flight tested ‘Astra’ from Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Chandipur.

Astra BVRAAM has range of more than 100 kms with modern guidance and navigation techniques. The missile has midcourse guidance and RF seeker based terminal guidance to achieve target destruction with pin point accuracy. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the ASTRA MK-I BVR AAM based on the requirements issued by the IAF catering for Beyond Visual Range as well as close combat engagement reducing the dependency on foreign sources.

Astra Missile is designed to be launched from fighter aircraft like SU-30, Mirage-2000, MIG-29, LCA-Tejas etc. Astra missile system is developed to neutralise aerial targets such as F-16 aircraft. Filled warheads have been successfully tested for static and dynamic performance.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has played a role in modifying the aircraft for weapon integration. More than 50 public and private industries have contributed in building the Astra weapon system.”The Transfer of Technology from DRDO to BDL for production of ASTRA MK-I missile and all associated systems has been completed and production at BDL is in progress. This project will act as a catalyst for development of Infrastructure and Testing facilities at BDL. It will also create opportunities for several MSMEs in aerospace technology for a period of at least 25 years. The project essentially embodies the spirit of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and will help facilitate realising the country’s journey towards self-reliance in Air to Air Missiles,” the defence ministry said in its release.

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The IAF has ordered an unspecified number of French air-to-ground HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missiles that will be outfitted on the country’s indigenous LCA Tejas fighter, Asian News International revealed.

The order for the missiles from France for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas was placed under the emergency procurement powers as was done for the same missiles to be equipped on the Rafales. Under a major order, a few hundred missiles would be added to the Indian Air Force’s arsenal.

The country currently operates two LCA squadrons (18 aircraft), and 73 more upgraded Tejas will be inducted over this decade. The capability of taking out enemy targets from such ranges would allow the indigenous planes to carry out Balakot-like airstrikes with more accuracy and precision. The missile will enable the Tejas to destroy bunkers or hardened shelters from a standoff range of 70 kilometres.

The missile’s acquisition is particularly significant in the midst of a border standoff between the Indian and the Chinese armies across the Ladakh border, where the terrain is mountainous, providing ample cover for troops. The HAMMER missiles from France will help in boosting IAF’s capabilities to take out targets in high-altitude areas, such as Eastern Ladakh.

Missile Features

The munition comes in missile and gliding bomb versions with a weight range of 125, 250, 500, and 1,000 kilograms (275, 551, 1,102, and 2,205 pounds). The weapon’s modular structure allows for the addition of navigational guidance options such as inertial navigation/Global Positioning System, infrared homing, or laser guidance.

France’s Dassault Rafale aircraft can carry six Hammers. The French military, which inducted the munition in 2008, has used it over Afghanistan, Libya, and Mali. Other Rafale customers Qatar and Egypt have also asked to outfit their aircraft with the munition. India also ordered the missiles for its Rafale fleet in July.

Three Rafales Arrive

Three more French-origin Rafale fighters touched down at the Jamnagar airbase in India, after mid-air refuelling by tankers of France and UAE, on 13 October.

The three new jets will add to the 26 such 4.5-generation fighters, which have a combat range of 780-km to 1,650-km without mid-air refuelling, already delivered to India.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will get all the 36 twin-engine Rafales, contracted under the Rs 59,000 crore deal inked with France in September 2016, in batches by early next year.

.The next consignment of three aircraft – the 30th, 31st and 32nd – will arrive in India by the first half of December, while the last three of the batch will join the operational squadrons by January 26.

The two Rafale squadrons, the 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ in Ambala and 101 ‘Falcons’ in Hasimara, are already operational and flying missions during the continuing 17-month-long military confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh.

The omni-role Rafales are armed with long stand-off weapons like the over 300-km range ‘Scalp’ air-to-ground cruise missiles. The fighters are also equipped with the top-notch Meteor air-to-air missiles, which with a strike range of 120 to 150-km can outgun any missile that can currently be unleashed by Pakistani or Chinese jets.

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The indigenously developed missile will be flight tested from a ground launcher being set up at launching complex III of Integrated Test Range (ITR) off Odisha coast.  The initial trials of the successor of Astra Mk I will be to test the weapon system’s ballistic performance. Once the safe release of the missile from the ground launcher and its propulsion and navigation are validated, it would be test fired from a fighter aircraft.

The go ahead for Astra Mk II was given nearly seven months after the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of Astra Mk I for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy.

While the previous version of Astra missile has a range of about 110 km, its advanced variant can strike targets 160 km away. Equipped with improved jammer resistance and dual pulse motor having thrust vector control, the Astra Mk II is latest among the air-to-air missiles of its class. The DRDO has developed an indigenous seeker to improve the performance of the missile and replace the Russian radio frequency seeker used in the Astra Mk I. 

The missile will be powered by Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR), which will enhance its performance and increase the strike range. Procurement of Astra Mk I for the IAF was approved after it completed ground tests and air trial from a Sukhoi 30 MKI aircraft. Process is on to integrate the missile with the Made in India Tejas fighter jet. 

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The Astra fills up the critical air-to-air missile gap vis-a-vis Pakistan, which was exposed during the post-Balakot aerial confrontation over the Line of Control on February 27 last year.

The 110-km range of the Astra neutralises Pakistan’s advantage over India in air-to-air weaponry. Against the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) AIM-120 AMRAAMs with a range of 110 km, the maximum air-to-air reach of the IAF was under 80 km with the R-77. As a result, IAF’s frontline Su-30 MKIs were forced into defensive manoeuvres when the AMRAAM-armed PAF F-16s attacked India in retaliation to India’s cross-border air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist camp at Balakot in Pakistan on February 26.

The Astra is capable of engaging “both short-range targets at a distance of 20 km and long-range targets up to a distance of 80-110 km” at varying altitudes, an IAF spokesperson elaborated.

The Astra is India’s first indigenous air-to-air missile. The features of this all-weather BVR include mid-course inertial guidance with terminal active radar homing.

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