Mirage 2000: Indian Air Force (IAF) Headquarters is seriously considering inducting the indigenous Astra Mk 1 Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) in the upgraded fleet of Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. This decision can play an important role in bridging the capability gap of the Air Force till the arrival of foreign next generation missiles.

Currently, the Indian Air Force’s Mirage 2000 aircraft rely on MICA IR and MICA RF missiles, whose effective strike range is said to be around 80 kilometers. According to defense sources, this range is now considered less than the long-range missile systems available with regional rivals, which may impact air combat capability.

Work continues on MICA NG

According to the report of idrw.org, European defense company MBDA is working on the next generation MICA NG (New Generation) missile, whose estimated range will be 150 to 160 kilometers. This missile has been confirmed to be compatible with India’s upgraded Mirage 2000 5 aircraft. However, its delivery is expected by the end of 2028-29, while full operational clearance may take an additional 3 to 4 years due to the testing and integration process.

Upgraded Mirage 2000 equipped with RDY 2 radar

Thales RDY 2 all-weather synthetic aperture radar has been installed in the upgraded Mirage 2000 aircraft of the Indian Air Force. This radar is capable of tracking fighter targets with 5 square meter radar cross section from a distance of 120 to 140 kilometers. Earlier Mirage variants had Thomson CSF RDM radar, but the RDY 2 is now considered more capable for multi-mode and BVR warfare. If the Astra Mk 1 is approved for inclusion in the Mirage 2000, it will require technical collaboration with Thales. With this, an accurate data link can be established between the RDY 2 radar and the Astra missile, so that the fire and forget capability and guidance of the missile remains fully effective. Astra Mk 1 has already been successfully operationalized on Su 30MKI and Tejas fighter aircraft.

Strategic benefits will come soon from indigenous option

While MICA NG may have to wait until the early 2030s for full deployment, Astra Mk 1 appears to be a timely, cost-effective and indigenous interim solution. The deployment of Astra Mk 1 with the strong detection capability of the RDY 2 radar can quickly increase the striking range and lethality of the Mirage 2000 fleet.

Self-reliant India will get a big boost

The decision to include Astra Mk 1 in Mirage 2000 will strengthen the Self-reliant India initiative. This will not only lead to widespread use of indigenous missile systems, but will also reduce dependence on foreign upgrades. Additionally, it will help keep the Mirage 2000 aircraft relevant in future challenging air combat scenarios.

The Philippines has begun formal talks with India to purchase a medium-range surface-to-air missile system (SAM). This system will replace the Philippines Air Force’s old American-made missiles, which were purchased in the 1990s.

Old missile system now ineffective
Currently, the Philippines Air Force operates only one upgraded HAWK XXI system at Clark Air Base. This system is now outdated and has limited capacity. It can intercept fighter planes at a distance of about 40-45 kilometers and cruise missiles at a distance of 20-25 kilometers. Old technology has been used in this system and it is becoming difficult to get the necessary spare parts for it. For this reason, there are continuous difficulties in its maintenance and operation.

India offered Akash-1S system
Keeping in mind the needs of Philippines, India has offered Akash-1S missile system. This system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and is already in use in the Indian Army and Air Force. This missile system has the capability to shoot down fighter planes at a distance of about 45 kilometers and cruise missiles up to 30 kilometers. It is a mobile system that can be carried on 8×8 heavy military vehicles. A battery unit consists of four mobile launchers, each launcher carrying eight missiles. It is accompanied by a command post and 3D radar system, which is capable of identifying and tracking targets.

Why is this system considered useful for the Philippines?
The system can be deployed rapidly and works even in harsh weather conditions. It is being considered suitable for the security of sensitive military areas like Subic Bay, Clark Airbase and Palawan. This system will strengthen the air defense of the Philippines in the event of increasing maritime tensions with China.

The need for a long range system has not yet been met.
The Philippines had initially expressed its desire for a missile system with a range of 50 to 80 kilometers. India is working on a new such long-range system, Akash-NG, but it is still in the testing phase and is not yet approved for export. For this reason, only Akash-1S has been given as an option to the Philippines. India’s other missile systems such as QRSAM or MRSAM-ER have not been included in this proposal. QRSAM is short in range and MRSAM-ER has sensitive technology, so their export is not possible at present.

How much will the deal be?
According to open-source reports, if this deal is finalized then its price could be around $200 million. This will be another major achievement in defense cooperation between India and Philippines after the BrahMos missile deal.

in Lucknow Brahmos Defense Minister in the program of Aerospace Unit Rajnath Singh has Saturday (18 october) gave a big statement. They said that operation Sindoor has proved India’s strength and self-reliance to the whole world. He told that every inch of land of Pakistan is now Brahmos missile Is within reach. operation Vermilion only One trailer was, but this trailer It gave this message to the whole world that India has the ability to control its enemies.

The Defense Minister also told that Brahmos missile Now it is not just a weapon, but has become a symbol of India’s indigenous capabilities and technological strength. it supersonic missile army, navy And air force The backbone of has been formed. missile high speed of, accuracy And power makes it one of the best systems in the world.

What did Rajnath Singh say on the role of Lucknow?

Rajnath Singh also highlighted the role of Lucknow. He said that Lucknow now only is no longer a city of culture, but Technology And has become the center of industries. Defense production centers are developing in Uttar Pradesh and Brahmos missile The unit is also a part of this. He informed that this modern facility was inaugurated on 11 May 2025 and merely from Lucknow in five months Brahmos missile first batch of delivered Is being done.

He told that about 100 people are employed annually in this unit. missile system Will be prepared. These missiles army, navy And air force Will be available for all three. The unit has been constructed in an area of ​​approximately 200 acres and its cost is approximately Rs 380 crore. This facility will also provide employment to hundreds of people.

Defense Minister laid emphasis on the safety of spare parts

Defense Minister spare parts Also emphasized on safety and production. He said that now India through all its small and big industries missile Will produce essential spare parts in the country, so that any foreign supplier But dependence will end. This will not only strengthen defense production but will also benefit the country’s economy.

He also told that Brahmos now only Made in India not a slogan but a global The brand has been created. philippines Export contracts have also been signed with and there is a possibility of increasing technical cooperation and investment with other countries in the coming times.

Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stressed that now every inch of Pakistan’s land is within the reach of BrahMos missile. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that the demonstration held during that time was only a trailer, but this trailer gave a clear message to Pakistan that India can show its strength. This practical demonstration has increased the trust and confidence of not only the countrymen but also the entire world on BrahMos missile.

Putting special responsibility on engineers, technicians and employees, Rajnath Singh said that maintaining this trust is now their primary responsibility. He clarified that BrahMos is not only a symbol of the strength of our forces but also a message that Uttar Pradesh and India will not face any challenge., Whether it is related to internal security or external threat, Fully prepared to handle it.

Rajnath Singh praised CM Yogi

Rajnath Singh on this occasion Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Praising UP, he said that UP has now reached a new level in the field of self-reliance, security and technological development. Brahmos missile The success of this has increased the confidence of the countrymen and scientists and it is a message of self-reliant India for the coming generations.

It also became clear in this program that Brahmos only It is not just a defense equipment, but has also become an important industry creating opportunities for education, health and employment. Its production and export will bring financial benefits to the state and central government, which will increase investment in social schemes.

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