Indian "Astra" Mk1 missile.

  According to foreign media reports, the Indian Air Force recently plans to replace its active Rafale fighter with domestic "Astra" Mk1 and Mk2 missiles to enhance combat capabilities and promote national defense autonomy.

  Currently, India has 36 Rafale fighters produced by French Dassault Airlines, which are equipped with European MBDA's Mika medium-range air-to-air missiles. The Indian Air Force believes that the missile's range of about 80 kilometers is difficult to meet modern combat needs, and the maintenance and upgrading of imported missile systems is expensive.

  Against this background, the "Astral" series of missiles developed by the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization and produced by Bharat Power Co., Ltd. has become an alternative option. The Astra Mk1 missile has been equipped with Su-30MKI and the "Glorious" fighter jets, with a range of 90 to 110 kilometers, and uses active radar seeker and smoke-free propulsion technology. The "Astra" Mk2 missile is still under development, with a range of 130 to 160 kilometers, and uses a dual-pulse rocket engine. It is expected to be put into service around 2027.

  In addition, in early April, the Indian government approved the purchase of 26 additional French Rafale fighter jets, of which 22 are carrier-based aircraft models and will be deployed on the Indian domestic aircraft carrier Vikrant; 4 are two-seat models for training. (Zhu Jiang)

[Editor in charge: Wang Jinzhi]