‘Alongside the Delivery for New IAF Platforms, MBDA is Also Delivering Major Capability Enhancements to the Existing Platforms of the IAF’
What are the salient features of the MBDA missiles package for the Rafale Omni-Role Fighter & Rafale-Marine Variant, including the ‘game-changing’ Meteor BVRAAM, Mica variants, Scalp cruise missile and the air-launched Exocet AM39. Also elaborate on their specific combat role?
India’s Dassault Rafale combat aircraft provide the Indian Air Force not just with a fast and agile modern fighter but one that comes armed with a highly potent set of weapons from MBDA that are 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 Rafale 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 Rafale are also be equipped with Mica, a missile the IAF knows very well as it is also part of the upgrade package for the IAF’s Mirage 2000 aircraft. MBDA is also proposing these weapons and the famous Exocet AM39 anti-ship missile for the Rafale M for the new Indian aircraft carrier.
What is the update on the integration for Wing-Top launch of the ASRAAM for the IAF’s Jaguar upgrade programme and the Mica missiles for the upgraded Mirage 2000 weapons package?
Alongside the delivery for new IAF platforms, MBDA is also delivering major capability enhancements to the existing platforms of the IAF. The Mirage 2000 upgrade and the Jaguar upgrade programme are two notable examples of this. MBDA has delivered Mica air combat missiles for the Mirage 2000 upgrade and has delivered ASRAAM missiles to upgrade the air combat capabilities of the Jaguar fighter fleet. These also boost the IAF’s inventory and stockpile management, for MICA is now used across both the Mirage 2000 and Rafale fleet; while ASRAAM is to be used on Jaguar, Tejas and potentially more platforms in the future.
How are your collaborations with BDL? What progress has been made in BDL-MBDA agreement signed earlier to establish a facility in India for the Final Assembly, Integration & Test (FAIT) of the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), which is slated to be integrated on the Tejas LCA Mk-1A?
MBDA and BDL have worked together for more than 50 years and produced more than 50,000 missiles together in India for the Indian military. Cooperation with BDL forms a key pillar of MBDA’s strategy and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat in partnership with Indian defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) and industry. MBDA and BDL are making very good progress on our joint undertaking to establish facilities for the assembly, integration and test (FAIT) of ASRAAM air-to-air combat missiles in India for the IAF.
Can you talk about MBDA’s Next-Generation Missiles being developed for futuristic programmes?
MBDA is a recognised world-leader in the field of missile technologies. We are constantly conducting research and development to enhance the capabilities of our customers’ systems. We are doing this across the full spectrum of products, from lightweight anti-tank systems, to next generation naval and air systems, and we look forward to discussing them with our Indian partners.
What is the update on the Mistral ATAM Launcher integrated on the Prachanda LCH and ALH Rudra WSI Helicopters, covering the firing of the Mistral Missile from the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and its collaboration with BDL?
The Mistral ATAM air-to-air missile launcher has been delivered to India to equip the ALH and LCH. The system is based on two launchers each deploying two MBDA air-to-air Mistral missiles. Given the wide range of roles that these helicopters will have to undertake, Mistral will provide the helicopter’s crew with a weapon that is not only easy to use but the one that can be operated in the whole flight envelope from nap of the earth to 15,000ft and at flight speeds from hovering to up to 200 knots. The system has already been successfully integrated on the LCH and ALH platforms manufactured by HAL. Mistral has proven itself a major success story with a 96 per cent success rate in all firings.
Has there been a development on the CAMM/Sea Ceptor missile offered by L&T-MBDA to the Indian Navy. Also, what is the update on the SCALP Naval and VL MICA NG Missiles offer?
The Sea Ceptor naval air defence is being offered to the Indian Navy for its SRSAM requirement by our Indian joint venture, L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd in accordance with our support of aatmanirbhar Bharat. Sea Ceptor is a highly advanced naval weapon system that features futuristic technologies such as high levels of autonomy and intelligence through both the missile and the wider system. These features enable the Sea Ceptor system to autonomously prioritise threats and intelligently optimise the allocation of missiles within an engagement to maximise operational effectiveness—and so provide the very highest level of protection from air attack for Indian sailors.
What is the update on the 5th-Gen ATGM5 offered by the MBDA-L&T joint venture in India?
L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited (LTMMSL) has a clear vision regarding the development and manufacture of ATGM5 in India, as this fifth-generation weapon or family of weapons matches the requirements and specifications of the Indian armed forces. LTMMSL is committed to the government of India’s drive towards the indigenisation of the defence sector under the make in India initiative, and to create a robust industrial ecosystem for the integration of ATGMS in India, across a wide spectrum of advanced technologies. The LTMMSL is committed to ensuring that India will have the highest level of operational independence in the use of an ITAR-free missile.
What are MBDA’s future expansion plans in India? What is your level of engagement with Indian vendors to expand the supplier base?
MBDA has a wide base of suppliers and partners in the Indian defence ecosystem. We are proud of our long history of make in India in support of the Indian armed forces. Aligned with our support of aatmanirbhar Bharat, MBDA is always looking to strengthen and deepen its footprint in India.
Which MBDA missile systems are going to be showcased at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru?
MBDA will be displaying its full range of the newest complex weapon systems to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces. Befitting Aero India, a particular focus will be on MBDA designed weaponry for the needs of the IAF—including famous systems such as the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile or the SCALP air launched deep strike missile.