Sukhoi Su-30 MK

In order to make the LCA combat ready as soon as possible, the government wants the LCA to be equipped with Israeli supersonic Derby BVR-AAM before introducing the Indian developed missile.

The Derby BVR-AAM missile is developed by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. This weapon has already passed its trials and was used on Sea Harriers. The rocket has an estimated range of 50km.

India is about to sign the deal with RADSL in March and they will start the production of the Derby BVR-AAM. The missiles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2012. According to the words of officials in the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), the Astra BVR-AAM will be equipped on the LCA Tejas once it passes its trials and used on the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters.

At the moment Astra has only passed ground tests and it is yet to be tested in air-to-air combat with the use of the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. According to a senior ADA scientist, the Astra BVR-AAM is a very complex missile and will have to undergo a lot of trials in order to ensure its full efficiency, safety and accuracy.

The Astra is currently validated through various grounds tests.

The Indian defense ministry is planning on ordering 160 LCA Tejas of which 100 will be available to the IAF and the rest to the Indian Navy. The Naval version of the Tejas is still in development.