ASTRA MK-III: India’s most advanced air-to-air missile set to alter balance of power with its unmatched range
Still under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this missile is expected to redefine the landscape of aerial warfare, especially in beyond visual range (BVR) combat, which is becoming increasingly critical in modern air engagements.
The Gandiva missile has been designed with a remarkable ability to strike enemy aerial targets from a range of 340 kilometers when the target is at an altitude of 20 kilometers, and 190 kilometers when the target is at a lower altitude of 8 kilometers.
This advanced missile could shift the military balance in India’s favor, especially in potential conflicts with adversaries.
How Gandiva can prove to be a game-changer for India
Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets are equipped with the French MBDA Meteor, a BVR air-to-air missile with a range of 200 kilometers. However, Gandiva significantly extends the rangebway beyond that of @its competitors, boasting a maximum range of 340 kilometers. The missile will be deployed on the IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets and the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.
With the eventual induction of Gandiva, India will possess one of the longest-range BVR air-to-air missiles in the world. This will allow India to surpass China’s PL-15 missile, which has a reported range of 300 kilometers, and the U.S. AIM-174 BVRAAM, which has a confirmed range of 240 kilometers.
The Gandiva is powered by a dual-fuel ducted ramjet engine, enabling it to be launched from an IAF jet at sea level or as high as 20 kilometers in altitude. This missile is capable of targeting a variety of aerial threats, including enemy fighter jets, bombers, military transport aircraft, refueling planes, and Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The missile’s launch speed ranges from 0.8 to 2.2 Mach, with the capability to hit targets at a speed of 2.0 to 3.6 Mach. One of its most advanced features is its ability to engage highly maneuverable fighter aircraft, with an angle of attack of up to 20 degrees. Additionally, the Gandiva has a ±10 km snap-up/snap-down capability, allowing it to engage targets at varying altitudes—either higher or lower than the firing aircraft.
The missile has already undergone successful ground testing, including booster and nozzleless booster tests, as well as separation mechanisms in flight tests FT-01 and FT-02.
The next step involves firing the missile from an IAF jet, such as the Su-30MKI or Tejas, to ensure it integrates flawlessly with the aircraft’s systems and meets all operational requirements.
Defence exports up 32.5% in FY24
India’s defense exports have reached a record high of Rs 21,083 crore (approximately USD 2.63 billion) for the fiscal year 2023-24, a 32.5% growth compared to the previous year’s Rs 15,920 crore.
Over the past decade, exports have surged by 31 times, with both private sector and Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) contributing significantly—about 60% from the private sector and 40% from DPSUs.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence that India would meet its target of exporting defense equipment worth Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.
To support this growth and strengthen the country’s self-reliance in defense (Aatmanirbharta), the Ministry of Defence has taken steps to reduce imports, such as introducing the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) in July, which includes 346 items like complex systems, sensors, and ammunition.
India’s defense production also reached a new milestone, hitting Rs 1,26,887 crore in FY 2023-24, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the previous fiscal. DPSUs and other public sector units contributed 79.2% of the total production, while the private sector accounted for the remaining 20.8%.
