IAF urges Dassault to Integrate Indian weapons in Indian Rafales under ‘Make in India’
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The Indian Air Force has urged French firm Dassault Aviation to incorporate indigenous weaponry like the 'Astra air' to air missile on the Rafale combat aircraft, which could be a significant triumph for 'Make in India' in defence and also open the worldwide market for desi weapons. Many countries, including India, France, Egypt, Qatar, and others, as well as Greece, Croatia, the UAE, and Indonesia, have placed orders for these planes.
"The IAF has asked Dassault Aviation, the original equipment manufacturer, to integrate Indian-made weapons like the Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) and the Astra air-to-air missile with the Rafale, which has been in service with the IAF since 2020," defence officials informed ANI.
Along with these DRDO-developed missiles and bombs, the IAF expects to integrate several indigenously built weaponry, including long-range glide bombs, with the aircraft in the near future. According to industry insiders, given the capabilities and price of the Indian armament systems, there might be a large market for them once they are incorporated into the Rafale. The indigenous LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI combat aircraft are already outfitted with Indian armament systems. India already employs 36 Rafale fighter planes and has previously stated its intention to purchase 26 Rafale marine aircraft for use by its Navy.
The senior brass of the Indian Air Force have been pushing for indigenous solutions to their war-fighting requirements in order to remain self-sufficient, particularly during times of crisis. Many military systems obtained by the army during the continuing conflict with China have also been indigenized.
"Private sector companies have also developed missiles and bombs that can hit targets from long distances and can be equipped on the Rafale," according to authorities.