Indian Air Force (IAF) to Equip MiG-29 Jets with ASRAAM Missiles

Exam-focused facts from the 30 March 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has invited bids to arm the Indian Air Force (IAF) MiG-29 fighter aircraft with European Advanced Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (ASRAAM).
The ASRAAM is a next-generation close combat missile with a range of 25 km.
The integration of ASRAAM will replace the legacy Russian R-73 missiles, which are 1980s-era infrared-guided weapons with a range of 10 to 15 km.
The IAF currently operates more than 50 MiG-29 combat jets, including eight two-seater trainers.
Missile manufacturer MBDA has partnered with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to establish an assembly and test facility in Hyderabad to service the IAF jets.