The Indian Air Force (IAF) has urged the nation’s top arms development organization to fast-track longer-range missile development amid Pakistan’s increasingly sophisticated arsenal.
Operation Sindoor was spearheaded by the service against Pakistan in June, with IAF jets striking targets over 200 kilometers (124 miles) inside Pakistani territory.
The four-day campaign saw the deployment of various weapons, including the indigenous BrahMos, French SCALP, and Israeli Rampage and Crystal Maze air-to-ground missiles.
About three months after the conflict, the service requested that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) accelerate the development of longer-range air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surface-to-air missiles with a range exceeding 200 kilometers (124 miles).
Extended-Range Astra
Topping the IAF’s wishlist is an extended-range variant of the indigenous Astra air-to-air missile, Asian News International reported, citing unnamed defense officials.
The missile’s baseline variant, Astra Mark-1, has been operational with the IAF since 2019, while the Mark-2 remains under trial.
The Mark-1 has a range of 110 kilometers (68 miles), while the advanced version can strike targets up to 160 kilometers (99 miles) away.
In the meantime, the service is also exploring the possibility of acquiring the Russian R-37 air-to-air missile, which has a range exceeding 200 kilometers (124 miles).
Indigenous Air Defense System
The service has also requested that the DRDO expedite Project Kusha, a long-range air and missile defense system.
India is considering procuring at least two more S-400 air defense squadrons from Russia, in addition to the five it already operates, according to Asian News International.
The development came amid claims that the IAF lost multiple jets in the May battle with the Pakistan Air Force after underestimating the range of the China-made PL-15 missile.
The IAF had estimated the missile’s range at around 150 kilometers (93 miles) — about 50 kilometers (31 miles) shorter than its actual reach, Reuters reported, citing Indian and Pakistani officials.
