Why Are These 5 Indian Missiles Creating Tension in Pakistan and Gaining Popularity in Paris?

India’s 'Make in India' weapons have made a major impact at the Paris Air Show in France. These weapons are not only increasing tension for countries like Pakistan and China, but they are also showcasing India’s growing strength in aerospace technology and innovation. The grand event began on Monday, and for the first time, India has presented its next-generation defence capabilities on a global platform.

At the Paris Air Show, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased advanced UAVs, high-tech avionics, and indigenous defence systems. The presence of self-reliant India and the Make in India initiative was clearly visible, marking a significant step in strengthening India's position on the global stage. Additionally, DRDO also shared updates about this participation on the social media handle X.

India's Missile Prowess on Display in Paris

1. Astra Missile

The Astra is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile with a range of 110 km. Its key feature is its ability to destroy enemy aircraft without visual contact. It is now a part of fighter aircraft like the Tejas and Sukhoi.

2. Helina Missile

The Helina (Helicopter Launched Nag) is an anti-tank guided missile with a range of 7–8 km. It is launched from helicopters like the ALH Dhruv. Operating in top-attack mode, it targets the upper part of enemy tanks. For accurate aiming, it makes use of an imaging infrared seeker.

3. Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas

Tejas is a lightweight, multirole supersonic fighter jet developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with DRDO. It is entirely indigenous and has a glass cockpit, fly-by-wire technology, modern avionics, and stealth features.

4. Weapon Locating Radar – Swathi

Swathi is a mobile radar system that detects the source of enemy artillery, rocket, or mortar fire. It can locate enemy fire up to 50 km away. This radar is highly valuable for India’s border defence and has been deployed along the Pakistan and other borders.

5. AEW&C System

The Embraer EMB-145 aircraft serves as the foundation for India's Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. It is able to identify airborne threats such as missiles and enemy aircraft. By coordinating actions in real time, it serves a crucial command and control role and has an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.

World’s Largest Airshow

The Paris Air Show is considered the biggest defence and aerospace show in the world. This marks the first time India has participated at this scale, making its presence especially significant. The world witnessed India’s growing defence capabilities, and this participation is expected to play a crucial role in attracting foreign investors and strategic partners in the near future.