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.

Russia offer to india: Russia has allegedly offered R-37M missile to India amidst the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan. This offering is to equip the fleet of Suu-30 MKI fighter jets with this missile. R-37m is a hypersonic long second air to air missile.

The R-37M range is 300 to 400 kilometers, known as AA-13 Xhead and its maximum speed is Mac 6, which makes it one of the world’s most dangerous Beyond-Viguel-Rage (BVR) missiles. Meaning that it has the ability to attack the enemy’s target in the air without attacking it. This offer becomes more important when India wants to further increase its aerial power amid regional tension with its enemies Pakistan and China.

What is the specialty of R-37 M missile?

1. The missile has been developed by Russia’s Vimple Design Bureau, whose airborne warning and control system (AWACS), tanker aircraft and enemy fighter aircraft have been designed to neutralize high -value air targets.

2. Its Jeticenable rocket boosters enabled the missile to achieve an extended range of 300–400 km (160–220 knots), which is far ahead of India’s current R-77 missiles. Their range is about 100 km.

3. The missile’s Mac 6 (about 7,400 km/h) of the missile rapidly attacks the targets running at a high speed, making it difficult for the enemies to escape.

4. The weight of this missile is about 510 kg and is equipped with a sophisticated guidance system, which connects it to mid-court updates, active radar homeing and navigation for the terminal face.

5. R-37M can be installed in several fighter jets, including SU-30, SU-35, SU-57, MIG-31BM and MIG-35. Russia has proposed it for India’s SU-30mki fighter jets, which are to be upgraded.

Also read: What is India’s ‘Mahabali’ engine project? Rafael and 5th generation fighter jets will get Kaveri’s power, Pakistan and China shocked