The Indian Air Force plans to equip MiG-29 jets with ASRAAM, replacing older R-73 missiles to enhance close-range air combat effectiveness.

BulletsIn:

• Upgrade will replace Soviet-era R-73 missiles with ASRAAM, significantly improving engagement range, targeting precision and survivability in modern aerial combat scenarios
• ASRAAM offers range over 25 km, speed above Mach 3 and infrared heat-seeking guidance with fire-and-forget capability for quick target engagement
• Missile designed for close-range dogfights, allowing pilots to lock and destroy enemy aircraft rapidly without continuous manual tracking
• Integration planned on upgraded MiG-29 UPG variant, strengthening India’s frontline air defence capabilities against regional threats
• ASRAAM already integrated on platforms like LCA Tejas and Jaguar aircraft, ensuring operational compatibility across multiple fighter fleets
• Bharat Dynamics Limited collaborating with MBDA for local assembly in Hyderabad, supporting Make in India and boosting defence manufacturing
• MiG-29 fleet inducted in 1987 with over 55 aircraft remains key asset for air superiority and border defence operations