New Delhi:
The Indian Air Force is set to equip its fleet of MiG-29 fighter jets with the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, or ASRAAM, in a move that will significantly upgrade the aircraft’s combat capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence issued a request for proposals on March 25 for the integration and testing of the ASRAAM on the MiG-29 UPG variant. The contract will cover not only the missile itself but also the necessary launchers, associated equipment and training for aircrew and ground personnel.
ASRAAM, a European-designed short-range air-to-air missile built by the multinational company MBDA, has already been integrated on the indigenous LCA Tejas and Jaguar aircraft. Its stated range exceeds 25 kilometres, more than double that of the Soviet-era R-73 missile it is intended to replace on the MiG-29. The Indian Air Force currently operates more than 55 MiG-29s, including eight twin-seat trainer versions.
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