The Indian Navy has decided to use the more powerful Astra Mk2 missile for its fighter jets, replacing the older Mk1 version. This move will improve the Navy’s air combat strength and support India’s goal of making more defence equipment at home.
Navy’s Air Combat Arsenal: Astra Mk2 Replaces Mk1 for Rafale M and MiG-29K
The Indian Navy has decided to skip the older Astra Mk1 missile and go straight to the more advanced Astra Mk2 for its fighter jets.
This includes both the newly ordered Rafale M jets and the already operational MiG-29K aircraft.
The announcement was made on June 15, 2025, highlighting the Navy’s focus on boosting its air combat power.
The Rafale M, a French-made fighter jet designed for aircraft carriers, will soon be part of the Navy’s fleet. Deliveries are expected to begin in the next few years.
The MiG-29K, which is already flying from the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, will be upgraded to carry the Astra Mk2 missile as well.
By using the same missile for both jets, the Navy plans to make maintenance and logistics easier and more efficient.
Developed in India by DRDO, the Astra Mk2 is a significant upgrade over the Mk1. It can hit targets over 160 kilometers away, has a better guidance system, and is more agile in the air.
Choosing this missile supports the government’s “Make in India” program and the goal of becoming more self-reliant in defence.
At the Aero India 2025 air show, a MiG-29K was already seen carrying the Astra Mk2, showing that work on integrating the missile has begun. However, actual firing tests are still about a year away.
Right now, DRDO and the Indian Navy are working together to ensure the missile fits perfectly with the systems in both jets.
The Rafale M’s advanced radar from Thales will help make the most of the Astra Mk2’s capabilities. The MiG-29K is also getting radar upgrades to work smoothly with the missile.
If all goes as planned, test flights and firing trials could begin by mid-2026.
By choosing the Astra Mk2, the Navy is showing confidence in its ability to perform better than regional rivals’ missiles like Pakistan’s PL-15 and China’s PL-17.
