India plans to significantly strengthen its capabilities in aerial combat by purchasing a large batch of European Meteor missiles for Rafale fighter jets.
According to The Economic Times’ sources in the Ministry of Defense, a proposal worth more than $180 million for the purchase of Meteor missiles is in the final stages of approval. It is expected to be approved at the next high-level meeting.
The Rafale is the only aircraft in the Indian Air Force capable of launching these missiles, which have a range of up to 200 km.
India received the first batch of Meteor missiles along with 36 Rafale fighters purchased from France in 2016. The new missiles will also be integrated into 26 naval versions of the Rafale, which are to be delivered over the next few years.
In addition, India plans to purchase about 700 Astra Mark 2 missiles, which are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The new Astra missiles will reportedly be able to hit targets at a distance of more than 200 km and will be integrated into the Su-30 and Tejas fighters.
The Rafale will remain the platform for the Meteor, and in the future may also receive Indian air defense missiles.
