IAF's MiG-29 combat jets to be equipped with ASRAAM missiles

What is the news?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to equip its MiG-29 fighter jets with a new missile called ASRAAM missile.

What is ASRAAM?

ASRAAM stands for Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile

It is designed for close-range air combat (dogfights)

Developed by European company MBDA

Why is this upgrade important?

Better combat power

The new missile will make MiG-29 jets more powerful in air battles

It improves their speed, accuracy, and response time

Replacing old missiles

It will replace the older R-73 missile

R-73 had a range of 10–15 km, while ASRAAM has more than 25 km range

Modernisation of IAF

This move is part of India’s effort to upgrade older aircraft with modern weapons

Helps keep MiG-29 relevant in modern warfare

What steps has the government taken?

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP)

It includes: Missile integration, Launch systems & Testing and training

Additional facts

ASRAAM is already used on: LCA Tejas & Jaguar aircraft

The IAF has 50+ MiG-29 jets in service