Pakistan-China worried: Rafale jets to get deadly ‘Meteor’ missiles, IAF’s power set to soar

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Operation Sindoor, conducted in May in response to the terrorist attack on Pahalgam, saw India conduct precision strikes against several Pakistani military installations and terrorist targets. Following the success of this operation, the Indian Air Force is preparing to further strengthen its strike capability and long-perimeter (BVR) capabilities.

Pakistan and China are in trouble, Rafale's power will increase; Indian Air Force will soon receive 'Meteor' missiles : According to government sources, the Air Force is planning to buy a large number of European-made Meteor air-to-air missiles. These missiles have ramjet propulsion system, which gives them high speed and long strike range, enabling them to implement the "first strike, first win" doctrine. The procurement proposal has reached the final stage in the Defence Ministry and is expected to be approved soon in a high-level meeting.

The Indian Air Force currently has 36 Rafale fighter jets equipped with Meteor missiles, which have been part of the aircraft since their purchase from France in 2016. In the future, these missiles are also planned to be included in the 26 Rafale marine jets ordered for the Navy. During Operation Sindoor, Indian aircraft targeted enemy positions from long ranges. Official sources say the Pakistan Air Force responded by using Chinese PL-15 missiles, but they were not successful in hitting the Indian aircraft.

Additionally, India has taken steps to strengthen indigenous capabilities alongside foreign systems. DRDO is currently developing over 700 Astra Mark-2 missiles, with an estimated range of over 200 kilometers. These are proposed to be deployed on aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30 and Tejas (LCA). The Rafale fleet is also planned to be equipped with Meteor as well as indigenous anti-radiation missiles in the future.

Defense experts believe that the acquisition of the new Meteor missiles will qualitatively improve India's airspace security and enhance its ability to effectively strike enemies from a distance. This move is expected to enhance the strategic resilience of Indian airspace.