The Indian Air Force is nearing completion of the integration of advanced ASRAAM short-range missiles on Su-30MKI fighters, IDRW reports. This is part of a large-scale modernization program designed to enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force's main heavy fighter.

Initially, ASRAAM missiles were purchased to upgrade aging SEPECAT Jaguar attack aircraft. Later, they began to be integrated into Tejas Mk1A light fighters, where they are intended to replace Russian R-73 missiles. Now it's the Su-30MKI's turn: according to available data, at least 84 aircraft of this type will receive the new armament.

ASRAAM is a high-precision short-range air-to-air weapon developed by the European consortium MBDA. The missile is equipped with an advanced infrared "fire-and-forget" guidance system and reaches speeds of over Mach 3. The transition to ASRAAM will increase the survivability of fighters in close-range maneuvering combat, and also unify the Indian Air Force's arsenal.

It is noted that the replacement of the R-73 with ASRAAM is in line with India's policy of reducing dependence on Russian supplies and developing its own defense production.

ASRAAM vs. R-73

In terms of its characteristics, the British missile significantly surpasses the Soviet R-73. The declared engagement range of ASRAAM exceeds 25 km – this is more than the R-73, whose effective range is limited to 10–15 km. Speed indicators are also on the side of the British missile: ASRAAM reaches speeds of over Mach 3, while the R-73 is about Mach 2.5. In addition, ASRAAM belongs to the fourth generation of missiles and uses a modern thermal imaging matrix that forms a detailed image of the target and allows choosing the most vulnerable points of the fuselage, while the R-73's seeker is an older development. However, the R-73 also has strengths: the missile is highly maneuverable and effective in close combat, and its warhead remains very powerful. Indian experts also note that the R-73 has an advantage in maneuverability in close combat, although ASRAAM surpasses it in range and guidance accuracy.