Indian Air Force's strength will increase… Indigenous 'Astra' missile to be fitted in Rafale from 2028!

The Indian Air Force will integrate indigenous Astra Mk-1 and Mk-2 missiles into its Rafale fighter jets from 2028. This will increase the Air Force's strike capability and reduce dependence on foreign weapons, thereby strengthening defense self-reliance.

India is preparing to further strengthen its Air Force. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is working on a plan to equip its Rafale fighter jets with the indigenous 'Astra' air-to-air missile from 2028.

For this, testing of Astra Mk-1 and Astra Mk-2 missiles will begin. The Astra Mk-1 missile is already being used in Sukhoi-30MKI and Tejas aircraft. Its range is more than 100 kilometers. The new Astra Mk-2 missile will be even more powerful, with a range of approximately 160 kilometers. These companies will provide technical support

According to defense sources, the French company Dassault Aviation, which manufactures the Rafale aircraft, and Thales, which makes radar systems, will assist India in this project. These companies will provide the necessary technical and software support to ensure that the Astra missile works correctly with the Rafale's advanced radar and systems. The missile will undergo several stages of testing before being integrated into the Rafale.

Various types of tests will be conducted on the missile

First, computer simulations will be used to determine if the missile's integration affects the aircraft in any way. Following this, various tests will be conducted on the missile during flight. Finally, a live firing test will be performed. The missile will only be fully inducted into service after all tests are successful.

Summary

The integration of the indigenous Astra missile into the Rafale will be a major advantage for the Indian Air Force. This will reduce dependence on foreign missiles and strengthen India's defense self-reliance.