India’s latest indigenous air-to-air missile, the Gandiva/Astra Mk-III, has been unveiled, marking a significant leap in the nation’s space capabilities. Powered by an advanced solid fuel tubular ramjet (SFDR) system, the missile is designed to strike targets beyond visual range (BVR) with unprecedented accuracy and range.

Capable of hitting targets up to 340 km at high altitudes, the Gandiva/Astra Mk-III outperforms existing air-to-air missiles, including the MBDA Meteor. The missile’s sustained thrust propulsion system ensures high speeds and exceptional maneuverability, making it one of the fastest air-to-air missiles globally, capable of reaching Mach 2.0-3.6.

The missile’s long range and advanced guidance systems, aimed at securing air superiority, allow it to neutralize threats from enemy aircraft, even those equipped with electronic warfare countermeasures. Its adaptability across platforms including the Su-30MKI and Tejas, and future integration with Rafale and Mirage-2000 jets, will significantly enhance the combat capability of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Part of India’s push for indigenous defense technology, the Gandiva/Astra Mk-III offers strategic advantages including cost-effectiveness and the ability to avoid supply chain risks associated with imported weapons. The development of the missile is in line with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, further enhancing self-reliance in defence technology.

With flight tests and integration into IAF fleet entry, the Gandiva/Astra Mk-III is poised to reshape India’s air combat strategy.