India’s air-to-air missile technology has advanced significantly thanks to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Astra MK-3, known as “Gandiva.”  Built on the success of its predecessors, the Astra MK-1 and MK-2, which had ranges of 80–110 km and 140–160 km, respectively, this missile is the pinnacle of the Astra series. Like the mythical bow of Arjuna from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, from where it gets its name, the Gandiva missile exemplifies the virtues of accuracy, strength, and versatility.

Features and design of Astra air-to-air missiles

The incredibly nimble, precise, and dependable missile has a high single-shot kill probability (SSKP) and can function in any weather. The weapon system is 3.8 meters long, 178 millimetres in diameter, and weighs 160 kg at launch.  The system’s airborne launcher may be utilised with various fighter aircraft, and its low total weight allows for a great launch range. By lessening the impact of the enemy targets’ electronic countermeasures in jamming situations, the electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM) feature enhances the missile’s target tracking ability.

• Propulsion System

It has a Solid fuel-ducted ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, the latest technology that uses atmospheric oxygen as an oxidiser, which powers the Gandiva missile. This makes the design lighter and more effective by doing away with the requirements for onboard oxidisers.  Depending on launch conditions, the SFDR technology enables the missile to maintain supersonic speeds—reportedly as high as Mach 4.5—for extended distances of 300–350 km.

• Throttle-Able Ramjet

The Gandiva’s solid fuel ducted ramjet with throttle is one of its distinguishing characteristics.  The SFDR’s ramjet engine is built with the ability to adjust thrust while flying, in contrast to conventional solid rocket motors, which burn at a set rate. The missile can dynamically modify its course and speed, which is made possible by a hot gas flow controller. To evade evasive targets or save energy for longer engagements, which might accelerate in the terminal phase.

• Guidance and Incorporation

The Gandiva missile uses a two-way data link for midcourse guidance to receive real-time target updates from the launched aircraft or AWACS. Because of its homing technology for terminal guidance, it can lock onto and pursue its target even in high-electronic warfare. The Su-30 MKI, TEJAS versions, and maybe the Rafale, Mirage-2000, and MiG-29 are among the fighter jets the Gandiva missile intends to interface with.

Developments and Experiments

Technological shortcomings have impacted the SFDR technology. A joint Indo-Russian endeavour started in 2013 that grew more sluggishly than expected.  DRDO officials are optimistic about the program’s future despite these challenges.  Since 2017, ground trials have been carried out. DRDO tested the missile system’s navigation, propulsion, and aerodynamics successfully. It was tested from a static launcher in Odisha during December 2024 trials. The Su-30 MKI’s progression to in-flight testing is a significant initiative towards operationalising deployment.

Consequences on the Capabilities of the Indian Air Force

The Gandiva missile will greatly improve India’s air defence capabilities, especially when it comes to averting opponents with sophisticated missile systems. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a clear advantage in beyond-visual-range (BVR) warfare thanks to its extended range and exceptional agility. It also enables Indian fighter jets to engage with enemy aircraft long before they are within striking range. Gandiva’s domestic development empowers India’s drive for defence technology independence.

Gandiva keeps the Indian Air Force ahead of the competition without depending on imported equipment. If it is finished and put into service, the Gandiva/Astra MK-3 missile is anticipated to be a key component of India’s air combat doctrine. As part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat plan, Gandiva would improve the Indian Air Force’s capabilities and advance India’s long-term goal of defence self-sufficiency.

Beyond air-to-air combat, the missile’s development and deployment are expected to stimulate research and development in next-generation propulsion technologies. After successful air-to-air experiments, full-scale production is anticipated to begin in the next four to five years.

Increase in Defence Exports

The fiscal year 2023–24 saw the new highest in defence exports, Rs 21,083 crore (about USD 2.63 billion) from India, a 32.5% increase over the previous year’s Rs 15,920 crore. Exports have increased 31 times over the last ten years, with a substantial contribution from the private sector and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs)—roughly 60% from the former and 40% from the latter.

According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, India is sure that it will reach its goal of selling Rs 50,000 crore worth of defence equipment by 2029. The Ministry of Defence has decreased imports to promote this growth and enhance the nation’s defence self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta). In July, the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprised 346 items such as ammunition, sophisticated systems, and sensors.

In FY 2023–24, India’s defence output also achieved a new milestone, reaching Rs 1,26,887 crore, a 16.7% increase over the previous fiscal year.  The private sector comprised the remaining 20.8% of the overall production, with DPSUs and other public sector entities contributing 79.2%.

India’s air defence capabilities have advanced with the Astra Mk-3. The Gandiva has a powerful blend of speed, accuracy, and range, and it promises to improve India’s aerial capabilities, protect its skies, and discourage any attackers. The Astra Mk3 is a significant advancement in air-to-air missile technology. It promises to enhance the mechanics of air combat as it is advanced and has an increased no-escape zone, more extended range, and higher speeds. The Astra Mk3 is a brilliant illustration of Indian technological capability as the country innovates and develops its defensive capabilities.