India's Most Advanced Air-to-Air Missile Set to Alter Balance of Power with Its Unmatched Range
STORIES, ANALYSES, EXPERT VIEWS
India's latest and most advanced air-to-air missile, the Astra MK-III, has been officially renamed Gandiva, after the legendary bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata. This advanced missile could shift the military balance in India's favor, especially in potential conflicts with adversaries.
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.
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 range 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 US 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.
(Courtesy: Defence.Capital)
