MBDA (Hall B, Stand B3.1), longstanding partner to the Indian Air Force, is showcasing the newest missiles in Indian service during Aero India 2023, as well as the systems that could help equip all branches of the Indian Armed Forces in the future.
At the centrepiece of the company’s presence this year in Bangalore, are the weapon systems that arm the IAF’s latest Dassault Rafale combat aircraft. These highly potent set of weapons from MBDA give the IAF an air combat capability that is unrivalled by any of India’s neighbours. The most famous of these weapons is the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, which is widely recognised as a game changer for air combat. The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket-ramjet motor that gives Meteor far more engine power, for much longer than any other missile. This means it can fly faster, fly longer, and manoeuvre more than any other missile – giving Meteor the ability to chase down and destroy agile hostile fighters at even the furthers of ranges. As a result, Meteor has a no-escape zone many times greater than any other air-to-air missile.
India’s Rafales are also be equipped with the SCALP deep-strike cruise missile from MBDA to strike hardened and protected targets deep inside hostile territory. The IAF’s Rafales are also be equipped with MICA, a potent air combat missile the Indian Air Force knows very well as it is also part of the upgrade package for the IAF’s Mirage 2000 aircraft. MBDA is a longstanding industrial collaborator for India, with MICA being a prime example – L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, MBDA’s joint venture with Larsen & Toubro, is exhibiting also at Aero India 2023 where it showcasing the work it performs in Coimbatore on MICA missiles and MICA missile launchers – delivering Make in India projects in support of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
MBDA is also proposing all these potent weapons, as well as the famous Exocet AM39 air launched anti-ship missile for the Rafale M for the new Indian aircraft carrier.
MBDA is not new to partnership with the Indian Armed Forces and Indian industry, indeed it has been delivering battle-winning capabilities to the Indian Air Force and collaborating with Indian industry for over 50 years. Throughout this history, there have been two guiding principles: to provide the very best technologies to the Indian Air Force, and to work in true partnership in support of the Indian Defence Industry. The company then is fully committed to the ‘Make in India’ programme, which aligns with MBDA’s long-term strategy.
Other examples of technological edge equipping the Indian Air Force include the ASRAAM within visual range (or dogfighting) missiles. ASRAAM is providing the IAF’s Jaguar fleet with a step-change in air combat performance – a capability that will soon also enhance the IAF’s new Tejas LCA Mk1A. With its large rocket motor and clean aerodynamic design, ASRAAM has unrivalled speed and resultant aerodynamic manoeuvrability and range. ASRAAM gives it a high kinematic capability that delivers superior end-game performance for within visual range air combat. MBDA also has agreements in place with Bharat Dynamics Limited for ASRAAM to be assembled in India to support Make in India.
The Mistral ATAM system has been successfully integrated on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and final integration is being done on the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). Utilisation of the Mistral missile on India’s helicopter platforms also provides a bridge to their use in a ground based VSHORAD role, where the missile is fully compliant with India’s requirements and outperforms the capabilities of its rivals. Again, MBDA and BDL have signed an agreement for the establishment of an assembly line for Mistral missiles in India.
MBDA has an excellent track record providing both operational and industrial capabilities in partnership with the Indian Air Force and Indian Defence Industry. The strength of these two pillars make it a long-term true partnership, and one that should only continue to get stronger.
