How India’s ‘air warriors’ pose BIG threat to China, Pakistan in air-to-air combat technology
Intelligence reports say Pakistan fired ten Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missiles during the conflict.
The skies of South Asia are preparing for major changes. It was reported that the Indian Air Force shot down a Pakistani AWACS aircraft using the S-400 air defense system from a distance of 314 kilometers. This is considered a world record. This took place during Operation Sindoor, an operation marked by intense air-to-air missile strikes that demonstrated India’s growing advantage in the air.
Intelligence reports say Pakistan fired ten Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missiles during the conflict. Nine of them were intercepted by Indian defense systems and one landed on Indian territory almost undamaged. This gave Indian scientists a rare chance to study China’s advanced missile technology up close.
India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is currently working on its own advanced air-to-air missile system. The new missile, called Astra-3 and codenamed ‘Gandeev’, is expected to go faster and hit farther than the Chinese PL-15. The project is at an advanced stage and is designed for future air combat where long-range speed and accuracy will be vital.
Defense experts say this program is vital for India, which lies between its two nuclear-armed neighbors. India has already invested billions of dollars to upgrade its fighter fleet and strengthen its control over the skies.
India Will Buy Meteor Missiles
News agency ANI reported that India is set to spend around Rs 1,500 crore on European defense firm MBDA’s Meteor missiles, pending approval from the Defense Ministry. These missiles will be fitted to the Navy’s 26 Rafale-M jets and 36 Rafale fighter jets currently in service.
The Meteor missile’s powerful ramjet engine gives it a long range of up to 200 kilometers and a high “no escape” zone; This means that enemy planes have little chance of escaping it. Pilots can also change targets during flight thanks to the dual data link system.
Call from Russia to Purchase R-37M Missiles
Former IAF pilot Vijayendra K. Thakur has urged the Indian government to purchase Russia’s R-37M missile, which can hit targets such as AWACS aircraft and tankers from a range of more than 300 kilometres. Russia has also offered co-production rights to India.
Astra Program is Progressing
India’s Astra Mk-1 missile, which has a range of over 100 kilometers, is already in service. It is planned that the recently expected Astra Mk-2 will reach 200 kilometers and around 700 missiles will be delivered to the Air Force.
The most powerful version, the Astra Mk-3 (Gandeev), will reportedly hit targets beyond 340 kilometers, placing it among the world’s most advanced air-to-air missiles.
New Air Power Race
Pakistan currently uses China’s PL-15E missile with a range of 145 kilometers, while China uses longer-range missiles such as PL-15, PL-17 and PL-21, which can exceed 300 kilometers.
India aims to be the clear leader in long-range air combat capability in Asia with the Meteor, Russia’s R-37M and its own Astra series.
Defense analysts believe these developments will strengthen India’s air dominance, enhance its deterrence and transform its entire fighter fleet into a high-precision, network-enabled force.
India’s sky defense strategy is evolving rapidly; One test, one upgrade, and one missile at a time, building a shield designed not only to protect the country but also to govern the airspace above it.
