Air-to-Air [UPSC Notes for GS III]

An air-to-air missile (AAM) is a missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid fueled but sometimes liquid- fueled. The topic finds relevance in GS-3 of the UPSC exam. Types of Air-to-Air

Air-to-air missiles are broadly categorized into two groups: “Short range missiles” and “medium or long range missiles”.

o The missiles designed to engage opposing aircraft at a range of less than 30 km are known as short-range or "within visual range" missiles. o The medium- or long-range missiles, both fall under the category of “beyond visual range” missiles, and often rely upon guidance.  The short-range missiles are sometimes called "" missiles because they are designed to optimize their agility rather than range.

Astra Air-to-Air Missile

It is an all-weather missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, and its production began in 2017. is the smallest missile in terms of size and weight, developed by the DRDO.

 Type of missile: It is a Beyond-Visual Range Air-to-Air indigenously developed missile (BVRAAM).  Specifications:

o It has a terminal (ARH). ARH is a method in which a missile contains a radar transceiver and the electronics necessary for it to find and track its target autonomously. o The missile is capable of engaging targets at varying ranges and altitudes for engagement with short-range and long-range targets. o Astra's design resembles Matra Super 530D and Vympel R-77 in a few aspects. o The missile has high maneuverability and capability to engage and destroy aerial targets at supersonic speeds. o The maximum range is achieved when the missile is launched from an altitude of 15 km.  Unique feature: The 60-km plus range missile possesses Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) making it one of the most reliable in its class of weapon systems.  The missile has been integrated with Sukhoi Su-30 and, there’s a plan to integrate it with other including HAL Tejas, , and Mikoyan MiG-29 in the future.

Derby Air-to-Air Missile

Derby missile is also known as Alto. It has been developed by the Israeli defence company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The missile is an enlarged version of the 4.

 Type of missile: It is a Beyond-Visible-Range (BVR) missile. Derby can also be configured as a surface-to-air missile (SAM).

 Specifications:

o The missile is equipped with four main wings and four conventional planar fins in the tail assembly. o It weighs 118kg and is armed with a 23kg warhead. o The seeker and are fitted in the front of the missile, while the rocket motor is placed at the rear.  Unique feature: The missile has been designed specifically to offer an enhanced operational flexibility and multi-shot capability. The missile can also operate in Lock-on Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-on After Launch (LOAL) modes.  The Derby AAM can be integrated onto a variety of fighter aircraft.

MICA Air-to-Air Missile

The MBDA MICA is an anti-air multi-target missile system. It is designed and developed by European missile systems producer, Matra BAE Dynamics Alenia (MBDA). It is a replacement for both the , in the interception role, and the Magic II, in the dogfighting role.

 Type of Missile: It is a short and medium-range missile. MICA can also be employed as a short- range surface-to-air missile.

 Specifications:

o The MICA air-to-air missile is powered by a low-smoke solid propellant with high impulse. o It has a compact design with long chord wings. o There are two MICA variants - MICA RF and MICA IR. o MICA RF has an active radar homing seeker and MICA IR has an imaging infra-red homing seeker. o Both the seekers are designed to filter out counter-measures such as chaff and decoy flares. o The missile can operate in Lock-on Before Launch (LOBL) and Lock-on After Launch (LOAL). . An Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system in the seeker allows the missile to autonomously detect, track and lock-on the targets. o The missile’s high-explosive warhead is triggered by RF proximity fuse, direct impact fuse and focused splinters.  Unique Feature: Four control surfaces are located on its tail to provide high speed and improved aerodynamic capabilities.  'Tigers', the first squadron of the , successfully fired the recently acquired long range 'Beyond Visual Range' Air-to-Air MICA missile on a manoeuvring target from Mirage-2000 Upgrade aircraft. It was a Direct Hit and the target was destroyed.

 The operational success of this mission confirms a critical capability of the Indian Air Force.

 The MICA will be mounted on the 36 Rafale combat jets that is purchasing from .