The Indian Air Force (IAF) has asked French Firm, Dassault Aviation to integrate Indigenous weapons including Astra, a beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile, and Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) on the Rafale combat aircraft.
Rafale Used By Many Countries, Including India, France, Among Others
The move is likely to open the global market for weapons made in the country. It needs to mentioned Indian weapons are already integrated into Su-30 MKI combat jet and LCA Tejas.
The Rafale combat aircraft is used by many countries including India, France, Egypt, Qatar, among others. “In a step that could be a big success for ‘Make in India’ in defence and also open the global market for desi weapons, the Indian Air Force has asked French firm, Dassault Aviation, to integrate indigenous weapons like Astra air-to-air missile on the Rafale combat aircraft,” said the officials.
The IAF is planning to integrate several indigenous designed weapons by private sector companies including long-rang glide bombs with the aircraft soon, the officials added.
The Astra air-to-air missile is capable of striking targets up to the 100 km range but very soon this will be extended to 160 km in the Astra Mark 2 while the further upgraded version would be one with a strike range of 300 kilometers. The Smart Anti Airfield Weapon can hit targets at 100 km plus range and its advanced versions are also being developed.
