As many as 38 MANPAD missiles were fired on IAF aircraft on their first day of action during Kargil. Some say MAWS is not so useful on fighter aircraft. Truth is we still lost a great pilot, Sqn Ldr Ahuja with his MiG-21MF who went out to look for Flt Lt Nachiketa. (1)
The first one to sustain a hit, was a Canberra, piloted by Wg Cdr Perumal. He safely landed the aircraft back, with only 1 engine working. While I agree, for most BVR engagements, MAWS doesn't matter. Because by the time the missile enters the detection range of the MAWS... (2)
,the rocket motor has already burnt off, and you only get a warning on your RWR when the missile pitbulls (i.e. if it's an ARH AAM). These missile are usually low on energy and can be dodged if not too close. But in WVR engagements, with modern HOBS AAMs...(3)
MAWS is what will keep a pilot and his aircraft in air. Even milliseconds are crucial when you're in a knife fight. The threat also remains relevant to all strike aircraft which are eventually going to bomb enemy infantry and armoured columns while staying low. (4)
That was 1999. 2 decades later, with so many Chinese options available to them, the availability (per soldier) would have only increased. (5)
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