By Admin 
Indian Air Force (IAF) is being made hi-tech with modern technologies. In this sequence, preparations are being made to equip the Indian Air Force’s fighter jet MiG-29 fleet with Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). This means that in the coming time, MiG-29 will prove to be even more deadly. These have already been installed in LCA Tejas and Jaguar aircraft. Let us know where it stands in front of JF-17 of Pakistan and China.
What is ASRAAM?
Let us tell you that ASRAAM is a European advanced short range air-to-air missile. This is a fourth generation high-tech missile. The range of ASRAAM is more than 25 kilometers. There is a plan to replace R-73 in the entire Air Force. The Defense Ministry issued a request for proposals in this regard on March 25. This contract will also include the missile along with the necessary launchers, related equipment and training for aircraft crew and ground workers.
How many MiG-29 does India have?
The number of MiG-29 fighter jets in the Indian Air Force fleet is more than 55, which also includes 8 trainer versions. After being equipped with ASRAAM, the old R-73 missiles will be removed from it. While the range of ASRAAM is more than 25 kilometers, the range of R-73 is 10 to 15 kilometers. These are missiles of the 1980s.
ASRAAM is manufactured by MBDA company. An agreement was signed between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and MBDA in 2021. Its assembly and testing center is being constructed in Hyderabad.
What is special about ASRAAM?
ASRAAM is considered a high-tech missile. It works on heat-secant technology. Its attack is considered to be very accurate on the target. It has been designed for close air combat. It works on the basis of fire and forget. It works as an effective weapon for the pilot; after launching it, the pilot does not have to control it. ASRAAM weighs 88 kg and is 2.9 meters long. It is equipped with a high-explosive warhead.
Talking about China and Pakistan, both these countries also have such missiles. Which are known as PL-10 and PL-10E. China included PL-10 in 2015, it is installed in fighter jets like J-10C, J-16 and J-20. Whose range is said to be 20 to 30 kilometers. At the same time, Pakistan has installed PL-10E in JF-17 Block III. Due to the larger rocket motor of ASRAAM, it gets more range and better performance.