India Expands Rafale Arsenal with Acquisition of Advanced Meteor Missiles
India is poised to enhance its air combat capabilities significantly as it plans to acquire a new batch of Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles for its Rafale fighter jets, marking a substantial investment in its defense arsenal.
The acquisition, which is estimated at approximately ₹1,500 crore, is nearing final approval stages within the Defence Ministry. Sources indicate that clearance for this proposal is anticipated in an upcoming high-level defense meeting.
The Meteor missile, developed by European defense manufacturer MBDA, is recognized as one of the most advanced BVR weapons globally. It can target and engage aerial threats at distances over 200 kilometers, offering a notable advantage in air combat through its long-range precision and no-escape zone superiority.
The Rafale aircraft currently holds the unique capability within the Indian Air Force (IAF) to utilize the Meteor missile. India initially integrated the Meteor system with the first set of 36 Rafale jets procured from France in 2016. Furthermore, the Meteor will be fitted on the upcoming fleet of 26 Rafale Marine jets that are expected to bolster the Indian Navy in the next few years.
The introduction of the Meteor missile is a strategic measure in response to shifting regional aerial threats. Its effectiveness was demonstrated during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where IAF Rafales executed precision strikes on targets across the border. Attempts by Pakistan to counter these strikes using Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles were reportedly ineffective.
Defence sources reveal that Pakistan has acquired significant quantities of PL-15 BVR missiles from China, which has prompted India to augment its air-to-air missile capabilities to sustain aerial dominance.
Simultaneously, India is progressing with an indigenous initiative to equip its entire fighter fleet with advanced BVR capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in the process of developing around 700 Astra Mk-II missiles. These missiles, capable of hitting targets beyond 200 kilometers, will be deployed on Su-30MKI and LCA Tejas aircraft.
The Rafale jets, for now, will continue utilizing the Meteor missile for BVR superiority, with the potential future addition of indigenous anti-radiation missiles that are currently under development.
The acquisition of the Meteor missiles underscores India’s strategic aim to maintain air superiority across various operational theaters. By integrating high-end imported systems such as the Meteor with homegrown projects like the Astra Mk-II, the IAF strives towards achieving a balanced and future-oriented air combat capability that merges technological advancement with strategic self-reliance.
