The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reportedly advancing plans under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) programme to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighter jets in what could become one of Asia’s largest defence procurement deals, valued at around ₹3.25 lakh crore. The proposal is focused on significantly enhancing India’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) aerial combat capabilities, a key requirement in modern air warfare.

A major highlight of the proposed deal is the integration of advanced versions of the Meteor air-to-air missile, already considered one of the world’s most sophisticated BVR weapons. The missile uses a throttleable ramjet engine, enabling speeds exceeding Mach 4 and allowing it to engage targets over 100 km away in under 90 seconds while maintaining high energy and maneuverability.

The upgraded Meteor system under consideration is expected to include an advanced two-way data-link being developed by companies such as MBDA and Indra. This would allow continuous communication between the missile and the Rafale aircraft, enabling mid-course updates, target changes, and real-time trajectory adjustments even after launch. The system is also expected to enhance resistance against electronic warfare, incorporating advanced ECCM capabilities to counter enemy jamming and radar interference.

With data from the Rafale’s RBE2 AESA radar, the missile could further improve accuracy and adaptability during long-range engagements. In addition, the new Rafale fleet is expected to feature India-specific enhancements already present in the existing 36 aircraft, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, cold-start capability for high-altitude operations, and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite tailored to counter threats from regional adversaries. If finalized, the deal along with advanced Meteor missile integration is expected to significantly strengthen the IAF’s long-range aerial dominance, providing a strategic edge in beyond-visual-range combat scenarios against regional air forces.