India is making significant strides in developing advanced air-to-air missile capabilities. The Astra MkIII, recently named "Gandiva," is now entering a critical phase of inflight testing.
The missile's name is derived from the bow of Arjuna, a renowned archer from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, symbolizing the weapon's intended precision and power.
The Gandiva builds upon the foundation of the earlier Astra Mk-1 and Mk-2 missiles, both of which have already enhanced the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat potential. The Astra Mk-1 has a range of 80-110 km, and the Mk-2 extends that to 140-160 km.
However, the MkIII utilizes a revolutionary Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. This technology is more efficient because it uses oxygen from the atmosphere, reducing the missile's weight.
The DRDO developed this system, allowing the Gandiva to maintain supersonic speeds (reaching up to Mach 4.5) over much greater distances, with a projected range of 300-350 kilometers, depending on the conditions at launch.
A key feature of the Gandiva is its throttleable ramjet. Unlike most air-to-air missiles that use solid rocket motors burning at a constant rate, the SFDR engine can adjust its thrust.
A hot gas flow controller allows the missile to change speed and direction during flight. This means it can accelerate to intercept targets that are trying to escape or reduce speed to conserve fuel for longer flights.
This adaptable performance gives the Gandiva a projected speed exceeding Mach 4.5 and a range of 300-350 km, putting it in the same class as leading missiles like the European MBDA Meteor.
The SFDR technology, a collaborative project between India and Russia that began in 2013, has undergone numerous ground-based tests since 2017. A significant success was achieved in December 2024, when the DRDO confirmed the system's propulsion, guidance, and aerodynamic capabilities at the Integrated Test Range in Odisha.
The current move to inflight testing using the Su-30 MKI fighter jet, which is already equipped to use the Astra Mk-I, is a vital step towards making the missile fully operational.
These tests will likely involve carrying the missile and conducting live firing to evaluate how well it integrates with the aircraft's radar (including the N011M Bars or later upgrades), other electronic systems, and fire control systems.
Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles are crucial for modern air combat, allowing engagement of targets that are beyond the pilot's direct line of sight.
The Gandiva's advanced SFDR technology gives it a significant advantage in BVR engagements. The ability to maintain high speeds and adjust thrust increases its "no-escape zone," making it highly effective against aircraft that are maneuvering or using countermeasures.
For the IAF, which must contend with advanced aircraft like China's J-20 stealth fighters and Pakistan's modernized air force, the Gandiva offers a domestically produced option, comparable to imported systems like the Meteor currently used on the IAF's Rafale jets.
Despite the progress, there are still challenges to overcome. The SFDR program, originally planned for completion within five years of its start in 2013, has experienced delays. This is due to the technical difficulties in making ramjet technology small enough for air-to-air missiles and integrating it with other systems.
A DRDO official, speaking anonymously, indicated in late 2024 that scaling down this technology has taken longer than anticipated, and full production may still be several years away.
The trials with the Su-30 MKI must also address issues such as ensuring the radar is compatible, the data links are reliable, and the missile's seeker (most likely an Indian-designed active radar) can accurately lock onto targets at long distances.
