New Delhi, June 04: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is mulling to equip the fleet of its frontline fighter jets Sukhoi-30 MKI with the Israeli-made Rafael Advanced Defense Systems I-Derby extended range (ER) beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). According to The Diplomat, the IAF’s frontlines warplanes will be armed with BVRAAM by 2022. These Israeli missiles will replace the ageing Russian-made Vympel R-77 (AA-12 “Adder”) air-to-air missiles (AAMs). BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile Air Version Successfully Launched From Sukhoi Su-30MKI Fighter Jet: IAF.

BVRAAM is a fire and forget missile. It is manufactured by Israeli defence contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The missile powered by a dual-pulse solid rocket motor has an estimated range of 100 kilometres. It can reach top speeds of Mach 4. The weapon has a length of 362cm, a wingspan of 64cm and a diameter of 16cm. It weighs 118kg and is armed with a 23kg warhead. Tejas Expands Firing Envelope, Indian Air-Force's Light Combat Aircraft Successfully Fires Derby Air-to-Air Beyond Visual Range Missile.

The IAF is currently procuring these advanced missiles for indigenous-built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Last year, the aircraft successfully fired Derby Air-to-Air Beyond Visual Range Missile from the Goa Coast. According to some reports, the IAF is also testing the shorter-range Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), produced by the European defence consortium MBDA for its frontline fighter jets.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2019 09:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).