IAF Seeks Indigenous Weapons Integration on Rafale Jets, Boosting 'Make in India' and Global Market Prospects

NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has approached Dassault Aviation, the French military aircraft manufacturer, to incorporate indigenous weaponry, including the advanced 'Astra' air-to-air missile, into its fleet of Rafale combat aircraft. This initiative not only marks a major triumph for 'Make in India' in the defense sector but also opens doors for global exports of domestically produced weapons.

The Rafale, a highly versatile fighter aircraft, is utilized by several nations worldwide, with India, France, Egypt, and Qatar among its prominent users. Additionally, Greece, Croatia, UAE, and Indonesia have placed orders for these sophisticated jets, showcasing their growing popularity in the international market.

Defense officials revealed that integrating homegrown missiles and bombs developed by the Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector companies into the Rafale is underway. This integration will expand the aircraft's capabilities significantly, positioning it to fulfill diverse war-fighting requirements efficiently.

Sources within the industry have indicated that the Indian weapon systems' remarkable capabilities and competitive pricing could lead to substantial demand globally once integrated into the Rafale. Already, the Indian weapon systems have been successfully incorporated into other combat aircraft like the Su-30 MKI and the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

India currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets and has expressed interest in acquiring an additional 26 marine aircraft for the Navy. The push for indigenous solutions by the Indian Air Force top brass comes as a strategic move to enhance self-reliance, particularly during times of conflict.

Notably, many weapon systems acquired by the IAF during the recent border standoff with China are also being targeted for indigenization. This reflects India's determination to bolster its defense capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

The 'Astra' air-to-air missiles, with their 100 Km range, are set to be further extended to 160 KMs in the upcoming Astra Mark 2 version, with even more advanced versions planned to achieve a strike range of 300 kilometers. Additionally, long-range glide bombs developed by private sector companies are also being readied for integration into the Rafale.

Overall, the move to equip the Rafale with indigenous weapons signifies a major leap towards strengthening India's defense sector, promoting self-sufficiency, and presenting a lucrative opportunity to expand the global market for locally produced arms.

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