Astra MK-III (Gandiva)

India’s latest and most advanced air-to-air missile, Astra MK-III, has been officially renamed Gandiva, after Arjuna’s legendary bow from the Mahabharata. 

About Astra MK-III

• Astra MK-III  is  a next-generation Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed for high-speed aerial combat and long-range engagements.
• Developed By: The missile is indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Purpose: Astra MK-III is designed to engage and destroy high-speed, highly maneuverable enemy aircraft beyond visual range.

Features of Astra MK-III

• Technology Used: The Gandiva missile is powered by a Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, a cutting-edge technology that utilizes atmospheric oxygen as an oxidizer.
  • This eliminates the need for onboard oxidizers, resulting in a lighter and more efficient design. Integrated with advanced radar and missile guidance systems for precision targeting.
• Range and Speed: Can hit targets up to 340 kilometers at an altitude of 20 km and 190 kilometers at 8 km altitude.
  • The SFDR system allows the missile to sustain supersonic speeds, up to Mach 4.5, over extended ranges of 300–350 kilometres, depending on launch conditions.
  • Launch speed ranges from 0.8 to 2.2 Mach, with engagement of target moving at speed of 2.0 to 3.6 Mach.

Application and  Capabilities

• Can be deployed on Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas).
• Capable of engaging highly agile fighter jets, bombers, military transport aircraft, refueling planes, and AWACS.
• Features a ±10 km snap-up/snap-down capability, allowing engagement at varying altitudes.
• 20° angle of attack capability, making it effective against maneuverable enemy aircraft.

Significance of Astra MK-III

• Strengthens India’s Defence Capability: With one of the longest BVR ranges, it outperforms China’s PL-15 and the U.S. AIM-174.
• Enhances Self-Reliance: Contributes to India’s goal of reducing dependence on foreign weapon systems under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• Boosts Defence Exports: India’s defense exports hit a record Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, with a goal to reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.