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
Chhattisgarh South Korea
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Meets ATCA in Seoul, ICCK Onboarded as Knowledge Partner for Chhattisgarh's Industrial Push
Rail News
Government Clears Rs 12,328 Crore Railway Upgrades to Enhance Connectivity, Logistics and Sustainability
100th Foundation Course LBSNAA
100th Foundation Course at LBSNAA Mussoorie Begins with 660 Officer Trainees from 19 Civil Services
Two crossed national flags on wooden table
India Ramps Up Lobbying in Washington Following US Dual Charge for Ambassador in India - Details Inside
PMO-building
Third Bureaucratic Shake-Up: Centre Set to Fill 19 Crucial Additional Secretary-Level Posts
WCL Western Coalfield
Leadership Boost: PESB Recommends SECL’s Sandeep Paranjape as Director (Technical) of Western Coalfields Ltd – Details Inside
REC Ltd
REC Limited Reports Record Rs15,713 Cr Profit in FY25 at 56th AGM; Releases ESG Sustainability Report
POWERGRID
POWERGRID Holds 36th Annual General Meeting Virtually, Highlights Strong Operational Performance & Future Growth Plans
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-25 at 13.56
Operation Hunt: IPS Dr. Karanraj Vaghela’s Mission to Nab Valsad’s Most Wanted
Dr
Resisted Flawed Schemes, Transferred Thrice In Three Months, Found Solace In Writing
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
IAS SVR Srinivas on Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, Tough Calls, and the Real Power of IAS Officers | Video Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
IAS Minnu P M
“Lazy, Sleepy, Yet Determined”: Minnu P M’s Honest Take on Cracking UPSC
Minnu PM, once a clerk in Kerala Police, cleared UPSC with AIR 150 after five years of struggle. Her...
IPS Ashish Tiwari
From IIT and Investment Banking to Public Service, Meet IPS Ashish Tiwari 
Ashish Tiwari, IIT graduate and former investment banker, chose public service over global finance. As...
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-12 at 7.27
First Attempt IRS, Fourth Attempt IPS: The Relentless Pursuit of Jitendra Kumar Yadav Who Cracked UPSC 3 Times
IPS Yadav is originally from Chhattisgarh. He was first selected for the IRS through UPSC and later for...
Social Media
Masahiro Hara
From Go Board to Global Use, How QR Codes Changed the World: IRAS Officer Ananth Rupanagudi Spotlights Masahiro Hara’s Vision
IRAS officer Ananth Rupanagudi shared a video on Masahiro Hara, the inventor of QR codes, highlighting...
IFS Susanta Nanda Video
A Mother’s Duty: Tigress Watches Over Cubs Splashing in Waterhole — Heartwarming Video Shared By Retd. IFS Officer Susanta Nanda
A tender wildlife video shared by Retd. IFS officer Susanta Nanda shows a tigress keeping watch over...
Mohanmala
Kaziranga Mourns: Beloved Elephant Mohanmala Passes Away After Five Decades of Service
Kaziranga National Park mourns the loss of Mohanmala, a beloved elephant who served over 50 years as...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
Chhattisgarh South Korea
CM Vishnu Deo Sai Meets ATCA in Seoul, ICCK Onboarded as Knowledge Partner for Chhattisgarh's Industrial Push
Rail News
Government Clears Rs 12,328 Crore Railway Upgrades to Enhance Connectivity, Logistics and Sustainability
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-25 at 13.56
Dr
WhatsApp Image 2025-08-11 at 4.48
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT