https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

DRDO Fast-Tracks Astra Mk-3 ‘Gandiva’ Missile Development with Next-Gen Propulsion and GaN-Based AESA Seeker

DRDO accelerates the Astra Mk-3 ‘Gandiva’ missile program with next-gen ramjet propulsion and a GaN-based AESA seeker, enhancing India’s air-to-air strike capabilities.
Indian Masterminds Stories

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing steadily with the Astra Mk-3 missile, officially named ‘Gandiva,’ which is set to become the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) next-generation beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). The project, inspired by the legendary bow from the Mahabharata, aims to redefine India’s air dominance with cutting-edge propulsion and seeker technologies.

Ramjet Power for Extended Reach and Speed

The standout feature of Gandiva is its Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. Unlike the solid rocket motors used in previous Astra variants, the SFDR system uses atmospheric oxygen during combustion. This makes the missile lighter and more fuel-efficient, allowing it to maintain supersonic speeds over a longer duration.

With speeds reaching Mach 4.5 and an engagement range that extends beyond 300 kilometers, Gandiva will rank among the world’s longest-range air-to-air missiles. The throttleable nature of the SFDR engine significantly expands the missile’s “no-escape zone,” making it highly lethal against fast, manoeuvring targets.

Recent ground tests of the SFDR engine have successfully validated its core performance parameters, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming live-fire trials.

Advanced AESA Seeker to Counter Stealth Threats

Initially, the Astra Mk-3 is being equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) seeker based on Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) technology. This provides precision guidance and enables the missile to receive real-time target data from airborne platforms.

DRDO, however, is actively developing a next-generation AESA seeker using Gallium Nitride (GaN) components. GaN-based seekers offer several key advantages—superior heat resistance, greater power efficiency, and enhanced immunity to electronic jamming. This makes Gandiva more effective in detecting and tracking stealth targets and surviving modern electronic warfare environments.

The GaN seeker, being developed under India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, reflects India’s rising capability in mastering high-end defence electronics domestically.

Integration Trials and Platform Compatibility

The missile is currently undergoing captive carriage trials, mounted on IAF platforms like the Su-30MKI. These trials are focused on validating the missile’s integration with aircraft avionics and weapon systems.

Upcoming trials will test Gandiva across a wide performance envelope. Live-fire exercises will push the missile to operational extremes—validating its ability to neutralize manoeuvring, long-range, and high-value targets such as stealth aircraft and Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).

Once operational, the Gandiva is expected to become a mainstay in the IAF’s arsenal. It is being configured for deployment on several frontline aircraft, including the Su-30MKI and HAL Tejas. There is also potential for integration with Rafale and MiG-29 fighters, ensuring wide operational compatibility.

Also Read: Ajay K. Shrivastava Takes Over as HAL Director (Engineering & R&D) with 37 Years of Aviation Expertise

Strategic Edge Over Regional Rivals

The development of Gandiva is seen as a direct counter to regional threats, particularly China’s J-20 stealth fighters and the PL-15 long-range missile. The combination of long reach, supersonic speed, and electronic warfare resistance positions Gandiva as a significant force multiplier for the IAF.

The missile’s integration into Indian fighter squadrons will not only bolster deterrence but also signal a major leap in India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

Path to Production and Future Outlook

One of the key challenges ahead for DRDO is miniaturising the SFDR engine to suit the missile’s compact design without compromising performance. Despite this, the program is on track, with DRDO targeting full-scale production by 2030–2031.

If successful, the Gandiva will represent a generational leap in India’s missile technology, strengthening national defence and furthering India’s goal of technological self-reliance.

The Astra Mk-3 ‘Gandiva’ is poised to become a cornerstone of India’s future air combat capabilities—combining speed, range, and precision with cutting-edge indigenous innovation.

Also Read: India’s Hypersonic Leap: DRDO Tests Indigenous ET-LDHCM Under Project Vishnu


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
India-Russia Partnership
India, Russia Deepen Industrial Ties at the 11th Modernization Working Group Session in Delhi
SAIL resized
No Candidate Recommended for SAIL Director (Commercial) Role, PESB Suggests Alternate Selection Route
bureaucracy news
Cadre Shift for IAS Officer Vibu Krishna post marriage; IRS Officer Shivakumar Iyer granted Voluntary Retirement per request
CISF
Govt Approves 735 New CISF Posts for CCS Security, CISF Unit Strength to Reach 5,000 - Details Inside
unnamed
In a Classic Case of Confusion, Maharashtra Govt Clarifies IAS Asheesh Sharma is New BEST GM
PM Modi
PM Modi Responds to Trump’s 50% Tariff Hike: "India Will Not Compromise on Farmers' Interests"
BHEL_resized
Result: BHEL Reports Consolidated Net Loss of Rs 455.50 Crore in Q1 FY26; Revenue Remains Flat
IPS Officer Indian Police Services
Kerala & Punjab: IPS Anand R Appointed Pathanamthitta Police Chief; Jagadale Takes Over as DIG Counter Intelligence
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Aditya Singh
How IAS Officer Aditya Singh is Redefining Governance in Madhya Pradesh | Video Interview 
IAS Karn Satyarthi
How IAS Karn Satyarthi Transformed Gumla Through Empathy and Innovation
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
IRAS Ananth Rupanagudi’s Take on Corruption, Reform, and Duty
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
BPSC Bihar police
From Lantern Light to Police Uniform: How Praveen Kumar from a Small Bihar Village Cracked BPSC to Become SDPO
From a lantern-lit village in Bihar to becoming an SDPO, Praveen Kumar's journey is a testament to resilience,...
IAS Priyansha Garg
Why Mindset Matters: IAS Priyansha Garg’s Mental Health Mantra for UPSC
After two failed prelims, Priyansha Garg cracked UPSC with AIR 31 in her fourth attempt, proving how...
Ashish Akshat
From Setback to State Topper: How Ashish Akshat Topped JPSC While Working Full-Time
Ashish Akshat from Dhanbad topped JPSC 2023, proving that resilience, discipline, and family support...
Social Media
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve: From India’s First Sanctuary to a Tiger Conservation Success Story | International Tiger Day Special
IAS Supriya Sahu Hails Mudumalai's Role in Tiger Conservation on Tiger Day. Declared in 1940, Now Among...
Mangroves
Mangroves: Nature’s Shield Against Disasters, Says Officer Parveen Kaswan on Mangroves Day - Watch His Post Here
Mangroves, with their dense, interlaced root systems, form a mesh-like structure that serves as a buffer...
Retired IPS Inderjit Singh Sidhu
Purpose Doesn’t Retire: How 88-Year-Old Retired DIG Becomes Chandigarh’s ‘Quiet Warrior’ of Cleanliness
Inderjit Singh Sidhu’s Dawn Patrol Earns Applause, Mahindra’s Praise for a Man Who Chose Action Over...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
India-Russia Partnership
India, Russia Deepen Industrial Ties at the 11th Modernization Working Group Session in Delhi
SAIL resized
No Candidate Recommended for SAIL Director (Commercial) Role, PESB Suggests Alternate Selection Route
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IAS Aditya Singh
IAS Karn Satyarthi
Ananth Rupanagudi IRAS
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT