The coming of the Rafale fighter is the big news of the month. Can you share MBDA’s journey on this programme?

MBDA is the principle weapons provider for the Rafale aircraft, where our role is to provide the platform with game-changing combat performance. Exciting times are ahead as the highly-capable Rafale joins the IAF’s inventory, as these new aircraft come armed with a potent suite of weapons from MBDA.

Unquestionably the most famous is the Meteor, the ramjet powered and network-enabled beyond visual range air-to-air missile that is widely recognised as a game changer for air combat. Meteor’s throttleable ramjet engine provides sustained high-supersonic power, making it the only missile able to chase down manoeuvring enemies at even the longest of ranges.

No less game-changing for the Indian Air Force (IAF) is the SCALP stealthy air-launched cruise missile that also forms part of the Rafale weapons package. This potent weapon will give the IAF an unrivalled and flexible tool to conduct deep strike missions at long ranges against even the most protected of hostile targets. MICA provides both the Rafale and the newly upgraded IAF Mirage 2000 aircraft with a uniquely flexible approach to air combat. MICA is the only missile in the world featuring two interoperable seekers (active radar and imaging infrared), which makes MICA highly countermeasure resistant and, therefore, highly effective.

What are your other programmes with the IAF currently, both in the short-term and the medium-term?

Besides the successful delivery of the Rafale and upgraded Mirage 2000 weapons packages, as mentioned above, one of our main priorities for MBDA is the New Generation Close Combat Missil