IAF Issues RFP to Fit ASRAAM Missiles on MiG-29UPG Jets
Why in the news
The Ministry of Defence issued a request for proposals (RFP) on 25 March 2026 to fit the British ASRAAM missile on the Indian Air Force’s Russian-origin MiG-29UPG fighters. The move is intended to improve close-combat capability.
Key facts
- RFP date: 25 March 2026.
- Missile: Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) by MBDA.
- Platform: MiG-29UPG, the upgraded version of the Russian-origin fighter.
- Replaces: the Soviet-era R-73.
- Fleet: reports mention around 55 MiG-29s in IAF service, including 8 trainers.
| ASRAAM feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Generation | Fourth-generation short-range missile |
| Range | Beyond 25 km |
| Speed | Above Mach 3 |
| Guidance | Imaging infrared, fire-and-forget |
| Modes | Lock-on before and after launch |
About ASRAAM in India
ASRAAM is already integrated with the Tejas light combat aircraft and the upgraded SEPECAT Jaguar in IAF service.
Exam angle
- Pair the missile (ASRAAM, UK) with the aircraft (MiG-29UPG, Russian origin).
- Know that an RFP is a stage in defence procurement, not a final contract.
- ASRAAM is a short-range, infrared-guided air-to-air missile.