Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has confirmed that the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM) will replace the Russian R-73 as the primary Close Combat Missile (CCM) for the Tejas Mk1A, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) air combat capabilities. The ASRAAM, with its advanced infrared seeker and over 25 km range, will also be integrated into the IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fleet, marking a strategic shift towards Western munitions amid geopolitical uncertainties. This move aligns with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, emphasizing local manufacturing to foster self-reliance in defense production and potentially position India as a global exporter of advanced munitions. The adoption of ASRAAM and Python-5 underscores a commitment to modernize the IAF’s inventory and improve combat readiness against regional threats.