ASTRA MK-III/ Gandiva, Features and Capabilities

Table of Contents

Context: India’s latest and most advanced air-to-air missile, Astra MK-III, has been officially renamed Gandiva.

About Astra MK-III

It is India’s most advanced Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM). It is currently under development.
Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The missile will be deployed on the IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI jets and the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas.

Long-Range Target Engagement:
- Strikes up to 340 km (at 20 km altitude).
- Hits a 190 km range (at 8 km altitude).
Advanced Propulsion:
- Dual-pulse solid-fuel ducted ramjet engine for extended range and sustained speed.
High Speed & Maneuverability:
- Launch speed: 0 to 2.2 Mach.
- Target engagement speed: 0 to 3.6 Mach.
- Engages highly maneuverable aircraft with 20° angle of attack.
Advanced Guidance & Targeting:
- Active Radar Seeker for precise target tracking & Electronic Counter – Countermeasures (ECCM) to resist jamming.