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In a bid to significantly upgrade the close-combat capability of the Indian Air Force’s MiG-29 fleet, the Defence Ministry has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to integrate the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) on the MiG-29 UPG fighters.
The RFP, issued on March 25, covers not just the integration and certification of the missile but also associated systems, including launchers, testing equipment, and crew training. The move marks the next phase in the IAF’s effort to standardise a more advanced within-visual-range (WVR) missile across its combat fleet.
Developed by European missile major MBDA, ASRAAM has already been inducted on the indigenous LCH Tejas, SU-30s, and the Jaguar strike aircraft. Its planned integration on the Russian-origin MiG-29 UPG will replace the ageing R-73 missile, a Soviet-era system with a significantly shorter engagement envelope.
The IAF currently operates over 55 MiG-29 aircraft, including trainer variants. Once equipped with ASRAAM, these fighters are expected to gain a sharper edge in dogfight scenarios, with the missile offering engagement ranges beyond 25 km, well above the 10тАУ15 km range of the R-73.
Standardising a New Close-Combat Missile
ASRAAM has emerged as the IAFтАЩs preferred next-generation WVR missile across multiple platforms. The weapon is designed for high-agility, close-range engagements and features тАЬfire-and-forgetтАЭ capability, allowing pilots to disengage immediately after launch.
Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 3 and manoeuvres of up to 50g, the missile uses advanced body-lift aerodynamics and tail control fins to sustain energy during high-G turnsтАФcritical in dogfight conditions. It carries a high-explosive blast fragmentation warhead with both impact and proximity fuses.
In a push for indigenisation and lifecycle support, Bharat Dynamics Limited has partnered with MBDA to establish a Final Assembly, Integration and Test (FAIT) facility in Hyderabad. The facility will also handle maintenance and overhaul, ensuring long-term sustainment within India.
Keeping Pace with Regional Rivals
The move comes amid rapid advancements in short-range air combat systems fielded by India’s adversaries.
China’s PL-10 missile, deployed on frontline fighters such as the J-10C, J-16, and the stealth Chengdu J-20, is considered one of the most capable infrared-guided WVR missiles in service. With reported ranges of around 20 km, extendable under certain conditions, and speeds touching Mach 4, it represents a potent threat in close combat.
Pakistan has also inducted the export variant, PL-10E, into its JF-17 Thunder Block III fleet since 2021, further tightening the regional air combat environment. Pakistan tested the missiles’ effectiveness during Operation Sindoor last year.
While the PL-10 may have a higher peak speed, ASRAAM is understood to offer advantages in sustained energy and engagement envelope, aided by a larger rocket motor and optimised flight profile.
Capability Boost for Legacy Fleet
For the MiG-29 UPG fleet, one of the IAF’s principal air superiority platforms, the integration of ASRAAM represents a critical capability upgrade. It not only enhances lethality in close combat but also aligns the aircraft with the IAF’s broader push towards networked, high-performance weapon systems.
With the RFP now issued, the programme is expected to move into the integration phase, potentially bringing the upgraded MiG-29s a step closer to matching and in some scenarios exceeding the WVR capabilities fielded by regional rivals.
Team BharatShakti
