DefenceHub Article Integration of the Astra and SAAW on the Rafale

[Nilgiri]

Amidst the recently concluded “Defexpo 2022” in India, a significant yet under-reported development materialised regarding local Indian missile platforms and the Dassault Rafale aircraft. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between BDL (Bharat Dynamics Limited) and Dassault on the 20th of October 2022 concerning the integration onto the Rafale fighter aircraft of two significant platforms currently (read full article...)

 

[ClaudeJ]

Did the Astra become operational on the Rafale?

I can't find any picture of it.

 

[Nilgiri]

Did the Astra become operational on the Rafale?

I can't find any picture of it.

Integration is ongoing (work started middle of this year around July).

We may see operational status achieved in 2024 or 2025, depending on the pace of that integration, testing and certification etc.

@Gessler may know more.