Anglo-French missile manufacturer MBDA is set to make a strong impression at Aero India 2025 by showcasing its advanced missile systems, including the Meteor, MICA, Exocet AM39, and SCALP. These cutting-edge technologies are poised to strengthen the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy and bolster India’s Indigenous defence programs under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Meteor: A Game-Changer for Air Combat
The Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), widely regarded as a transformative weapon in air combat, will be the centrepiece of MBDA’s display. Designed to arm the IAF’s Dassault Rafale combat aircraft, the Meteor offers unparalleled capabilities in engaging targets at extreme ranges, giving the IAF a critical edge in modern warfare.
Exocet AM39 for Naval Aviation
MBDA will showcase the AM39 air-launched anti-ship missile from the famous Exocet family. The missile is being proposed for integration with Dassault’s Rafale M aircraft, a contender in the Indian Navy’s ongoing carrier-based fighter procurement program. The company is optimistic that the AM39 will also find applications in India’s indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), which is currently under development by DRDO.
SCALP and MICA: Enhancing Strike and Air Combat Capabilities
The Indian Rafales are already equipped with the SCALP deep-strike cruise missile, which is capable of destroying heavily fortified targets deep inside enemy territory. Additionally, the Rafales feature the MICA air combat missile, a highly versatile weapon already familiar to the IAF through its integration into the upgraded Mirage 2000 fleet.
Supporting ‘Make in India’ with Exocet MM40 and More
Reaffirming its commitment to India’s self-reliance goals, MBDA has partnered with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to form the joint venture L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd (LTMMSL). The JV is producing the Exocet MM40 Block 3 ship-based surface-to-surface missile in India.
“Today, L&T MBDA Missile Systems Ltd, MBDA’s joint venture with Larsen & Toubro, is exhibiting at Aero India 2025 to showcase its contributions to Make in India projects, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat for the Indian Armed Forces,” the company stated.
LTMMSL is also proposing new indigenous projects, including short-range surface-to-air missile systems for the Indian Navy and next-generation ATGM5 anti-tank guided missiles for the Indian Army.
Advanced Systems for Indian Platforms
MBDA continues to equip India’s armed forces with state-of-the-art weaponry:
- ASRAAM: This within-visual-range air-to-air missile provides a significant boost to the IAF’s Jaguar fleet and will soon enhance the Tejas LCA Mk1A.
- Mistral ATAM: Successfully integrated on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), the Mistral Air-to-Air Missile system further expands India’s rotary-wing combat capabilities.
With a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions and fostering local partnerships, MBDA’s participation at Aero India 2025 underscores its ongoing commitment to advancing India’s defence ecosystem and operational readiness.
Team BharatShakti
