The Indian Air Force is moving towards the purchase of 114 new Rafale fighter aircraft under the MRFA multi-role fighter aircraft, the largest of its fighter fleet. This potential deal worth about Rs 3.25 lakh crore is being considered as one of the most important defense projects in Asia. The most important aspect of this deal is to further strengthen the long-range air combat i.e. Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability. For this, India is insisting on including the advanced version of the existing Meteor missile.
Meteor missile, one of the most dangerous weapons of Rafale, is already counted among the world’s most advanced BVR air-to-air missiles. It uses throttleable ramjet engines instead of conventional rocket engines, allowing it to achieve speeds in excess of Mach 4. This missile can cover a distance of about 100 kilometers in just 90 seconds and maintains high speed and energy till it reaches its target. This makes it extremely difficult for enemy aircraft to escape.
New datalink technology will give big advantage
The Indian Air Force also wants to include the state-of-the-art datalink system being developed in the new version of Meteor. Spanish defense company Indra and missile manufacturer MBDA are working together in the development of this technology. The datalink system maintains continuous communication between the missile and the fighter aircraft. Even after the missile takes off, the pilot can send new information about the target, change direction and other instructions.
More accurate attack at long range
With the help of real-time data from Rafale’s powerful RBE2 AESA radar, the missile will be able to continuously change its course, which will increase its ability to hit targets even at a distance of more than 100 kilometers.
protection from electronic jamming
The new system will have advanced ECCM (Electronic Counter-Counter Measures) technology, due to which the missile will continue to pursue its target despite enemy jammers and electronic attacks.
Ability to change targets during flight
Through the new two-way communication system, the pilot will be able to divert the missile to another target during flight if necessary. This capability is considered extremely important in modern network-based warfare.
Changes will be made as per Indian needs
In the 114 Rafale aircraft to be received in the future, 13 India-Specific Enhancements (ISE) included in the existing 36 Rafale aircraft of the Indian Air Force will also be given. Israeli Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), which will allow the pilot to lock on to the target simply by turning the head. Special cold start system for taking off from high altitude airbases like Leh. The advanced SPECTRA electronic warfare system is specially adapted to counter the radar and air defense systems of China and Pakistan.
IAF will get big BVR advantage
It is being told that if India is successful in acquiring the advanced version of Meteor missile and its related technologies under the MRFA deal. So the Indian Air Force can get a significant edge over the air forces of China and Pakistan in long-range air combat.
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