Why in news?
Following Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force plans to procure additional Meteor air‑to‑air missiles to bolster its beyond‑visual‑range capabilities. The missile’s performance during the conflict underlined its role in modern aerial combat.
Background
The Meteor is an advanced beyond‑visual‑range air‑to‑air missile (BVRAAM) developed by MBDA, a European missile consortium, for six European countries. Unlike solid‑fuel missiles, it uses a ramjet engine that provides sustained thrust, enabling it to chase fast, manoeuvring targets over long distances. The missile measures about 3.65 metres in length and 17.8 centimetres in diameter.
Features
- Extended range: Meteor can engage targets at distances of up to 200 kilometres. Its large “no‑escape” zone gives pilots a high probability of killing the target before it can evade.
- Ramjet propulsion: A variable‑thrust, air‑breathing engine allows the missile to maintain supersonic speed throughout its flight, unlike traditional rockets that slow down after burnout.
- Active radar seeker: The seeker guides the missile to its target autonomously and can operate in all weather conditions. A two‑way datalink enables the launch aircraft to update target information after firing.
- Warhead: It uses a blast‑fragmentation warhead designed to destroy aircraft or unmanned aerial vehicles.
- Integration: Meteor is currently carried by Rafale fighters and is being integrated onto other European jets. India already equips its Rafale fleet with the missile and plans to fit it on upcoming naval aircraft.
Significance for India
The Meteor missile gives Indian pilots the ability to engage threats before hostile aircraft come within their own missile range. Its acquisition complements indigenous developments like the Astra Mk‑2 and strengthens air‑defence deterrence in the region.
Source: India Today