Derby Missiles Selected to Arm India’s Tejas Fighters

Israeli Derby missiles were selected to arm India's indigenous light fighter, Tejas.

Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update

February 14, 2011 Defense Update

Israel’s Derby missile is the weapon of choice for India’s Tejas fighter. A contract will be signed by March with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd to supply the air-to-air weapon for the indigenous Indian jets. P.S. Subramanya, director of India’s Aeronautical Development Agency, which is developing the light combat aircraft. According to Subramanya, a key criterion for the full clearance is the integration of a Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missile. The Rafael Python V missile, closely related to the Derby, was also an option for the Tejas, Subramanya stated. Delivery of the missiles is expected in the second half of 2012, toward the final phase of testing, expected to conclude by December 2012.