With the next flagship beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) for the Indian Air Force, the Astra Mk3, sometimes referred to as “Gandiva,” India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is making significant strides.
By combining cutting-edge propulsion and seeker technology, Gandiva, which takes its name from the mythical bow in the Mahabharata, aims to establish a new standard for indigenous air dominance.
The Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) engine, which differs significantly from the traditional rocket motors utilized in earlier Astra models, is the central component of the Astra MK-3’s technological advancement. By using atmospheric oxygen for combustion, the SFDR system makes it possible for a lighter and more effective missile to fly for extended periods of time in supersonic flight, with top speeds of Mach 4.5 and an engagement range of more than 300 kilometers. This makes Gandiva one of the world’s longest-range air-to-air missiles.
Additionally, by exponentially expanding the missile’s “no-escape zone,” the SFDR’s throttleability maximizes lethality versus maneuvering targets.
Target acquisition and guidance are about to undergo a major improvement. First, Gandiva employs a Gallium Arsenide (GaS)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker, which already guarantees accurate tracking and reliable data-link coordination with aerial command assets.
However, due to the improved power efficiency, heat tolerance, and electronic jamming resistance of GaN components, the DRDO is currently working on a next-generation AESA seeker based on GaN for the production model. Gandiva will be more reliable against sophisticated electronic warfare threats and more effective in identifying and tracking stealth opponents thanks to GaN technology, which is currently being domestically developed in India as part of the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” effort.
In order to ensure wide operational integration, Gandiva’s deployment plans anticipate it as a primary weapon for several IAF combat aircraft, such as the Su-30MKI and HAL Tejas, with possible adaption for the Rafale and MiG-29.
In terms of strategy, Gandiva is meant to provide the IAF a clear technological advantage in upcoming aerial conflicts by outperforming regional adversaries, particularly China’s J-20 stealth fighters and the long-range PL-15 missile.
Although there are still obstacles to overcome, especially in terms of shrinking the Ramjet to fit the missile’s small form factor, DRDO plans to begin full-scale production by 2030–2031. India’s indigenous missile technology will enter a new age if the Gandiva program is successful, strengthening both technological independence and national security.
