Vayu: Can you briefly highlight the salient features of the MBDA Missiles Package for the
Rafale Omni-Role Fighter and Rafale-Marine Variant, including the
'game-changing' Meteor BVRAAM, MICA Variants, Scalp Cruise Missile and the air launched
Exocet AM39, and elaborate on their specific combat roles?
India's Dassault Rafale combat aircraft provide the Indian Air Force
not just with a fast and agile modern fighter but one that comes armed with a
highly potent set of weapons from MBDA that are unrivalled by any of India's
neighbours. The most famous of these weapons is the Meteor beyond visual range
air-to-air missile, which is widely recognised as a game changer for air
combat. The Meteor is powered by a unique rocket ramjet motor that gives Meteor
far more engine power, for much longer than any other missile. This means it
can fly faster, fly longer, and manoeuvre more than any other missile – giving
Meteor the ability to chase down and destroy agile hostile fighters at even the
furthers of ranges. As a result, Meteor has a no-escape zone many times greater
than any other air-to-air missile. India's Rafale are also be equipped with the
Scalp deep strike cruise missile from MBDA to strike hardened and protected
targets deep inside hostile territory. The IAF's Rafale are also be equipped
with MICA, a missile the Indian Air Force knows very well as it is also part of
the upgrade package for the IAF's Mirage 2000 aircraft. MBDA is also proposing
these weapons and the famous Exocet AM39 anti-ship missile for the Rafale M for
the new Indian aircraft carrier.
Vayu: Can you update us on the integration for
Wing-Top launch of the ASRAAM for the IAF's Jaguar Upgrade programme and the
MICA Missiles for the upgraded Mirage 2000 weapons package?
Alongside delivery for new IAF platforms, MBDA is also able to
delivery major capability enhancements to the existing platforms of the Indian
Air Force. The Mirage 2000 upgrade and the Jaguar upgrade programme are two
notable examples of this. Here MBDA has delivered MICA air combat missiles for
the Mirage 2000 upgrade, and has delivered ASRAAM missiles to upgrade the air
combat capabilities of the Jaguar fighter fleet. These also boost the IAF's
inventory and stockpile management, for MICA is now used across both the Mirage
2000 and Rafale fleet; while ASRAAM is to be used on Jaguar, Tejas and
potentially further platforms in the future.
Vayu:Please update us on the collaborations
with BDL, briefly tell us about the progress achieved with the BDL and MBDA Agreement
signed earlier to establish a facility in India for the Final Assembly,
Integration & Test (FAIT) of the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile
(ASRAAM), which is slated to be integrated on the Tejas LCA Mk.1A?
MBDA and BDL have worked together for more than fifty years and
produced more than 50,000 missiles together in India for the Indian military.
Co-operation with BDL forms a key pillar of MBDA's strategy and commitment to
Atmanirbhar Bharat in partnership with Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings
(DPSUs) and industry. MBDA and BDL are making very good progress on our joint
undertaking to establish facilities for the assembly, integration and test
(FAIT) of ASRAAM air-to-air combat missiles in India for the Indian Air Force.
Vayu: Elaborate on MBDA's Next Generation
Missiles being developed for Futuristic Programmes?
MBDA is a recognised world-leader in the field of missile
technologies and we are constantly conducting research and development to
enhance the capabilities of our customers' systems. This we are doing across
the full spectrum of products, from lightweight anti-tank systems, to next
generation naval and air systems, and we look forward to discussing them with
our Indian partners.
Vayu: Tell us about the Mistral ATAM launcher
integrated on the Prachanda LCH and ALH Rudra WSI helicopters, covering the firing of the Mistral missile from the
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and its collaboration with BDL?
The Mistral ATAM air-to-air missile launcher has been delivered to
India to equip the ALH and LCH. The system is based on two launchers each
deploying two MBDA air-to-air Mistral missiles. Given the wide range of roles
that these helicopters will have to undertake, Mistral will provide the
helicopter's crew with a weapon that is not only easy to use but one that can
be operated in the whole flight envelope from nap of the earth to 15,000ft and
at flight speeds from hovering to up to 200 knots. The system has already been
successfully integrated on the LCH and ALH platforms manufactured by HAL. Mistral
has proven itself a major success story with a 96% success rate in all firings.
Vayu: Briefly tell us about the CAMM/Sea Ceptor
Missile offered by L&T-MBDA to the Indian Navy, and also about the SCALP
Naval and VL MICA NG Missiles?
The Sea Ceptor naval air defence is being offered to the Indian Navy
for its SRSAM requirement by our Indian joint venture, L&T MBDA Missile
Systems Ltd in accordance with our support of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Sea Ceptor is
a highly advanced naval weapon system that features futuristic technologies
such as high levels of autonomy and intelligence through both the missile and
the wider system. These features enable the Sea Ceptor system to autonomously
prioritise threats and intelligently optimise the allocation of missiles within
an engagement to maximise operational effectiveness – and so provide the very
highest level of protection from air attack for Indian sailors.
Vayu: Update us on the 5th Gen ATGM5 offered by
the MBDA-L&T Joint Venture in India?
L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited (LTMMSL) has a clear vision
regarding the development and manufacture of ATGM5 in India, as this fifth generation
weapon or family of weapons matches the requirements and specifications of the
Indian Armed Forces. LTMMSL is committed to the Government of India's drive
towards the indigenisation of the defence sector under the Make in India
initiative, and to create a robust industrial eco system for the integration of
ATGMS in India, across a wide spectrum of advanced technologies. The LTMMSL is
committed to ensuring that India will have the highest level of operational
independence in the use of an ITAR- free missile.
Vayu: What are MBDA's future expansion plans in
India and its engagement with Indian vendors to expand the Supplier base?
MBDA have a wide base of suppliers and partners in the Indian
defence ecosystem and is proud of our long history of Make in India in support
of the Indian Armed Forces. Aligned with our support of Atmanirbhar Bharat,
MBDA is always looking to strengthen and deepen our footprint in India.
Vayu: Which MBDA Missile Systems exhibits are
going to be displayed at Aero India 2025 at Bengaluru?
MBDA will be displaying its full range of the newest complex weapon
systems to meet the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. Befitting Aero
India, a particular focus will be on MBDA designed weaponry for the needs of
the Indian Air Force – including famous systems such as the Meteor beyond
visual range air-to-air missile or the Scalp air launched deep strike missile.
