Overview
- A proposal to procure additional MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles is at an advanced stage in the Defence Ministry and is likely to be approved soon, according to reports citing defence sources.
- The Rafale is currently the only Indian Air Force combat aircraft cleared to fire the European long-range missile, which is reported to have a strike range of up to 200 kilometres.
- India previously acquired Meteors with the first 36 Rafales bought in 2016, and the missiles are included in the weapons package for 26 naval Rafales scheduled for future delivery.
- Coverage ties the push to May’s Operation Sindoor, when Indian jets used long-range standoff weapons and reports say Pakistan’s PL-15 air-to-air missile launches failed to hit targets.
- In parallel, India is planning to buy about 700 DRDO-developed Astra Mark 2 missiles for Su-30 and LCA Tejas fleets, and the Rafale may later integrate an indigenous anti-radiation missile.