India's defence capabilities are undergoing a significant transformation with the development and testing of the Astra MkIII, a new beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, now officially named "Gandiva."
Inspired by the mythical bow of Arjuna from the Mahabharata, the Gandiva, utilizing an advanced Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system, is set to dramatically enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat capabilities.
The Gandiva's development, alongside the integration of advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars on the upcoming Tejas Mk2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), poses a direct challenge to the Dassault Rafale's previously superior technological position, specifically its Meteor missile.
This indigenous advancement becomes crucial within the context of the IAF's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 110 fighter jets, where the Rafale's once-decisive advantage may be diminishing.
The Astra MkIII "Gandiva" represents a major milestone in India's indigenous missile development program. It builds upon the earlier Astra MkI (with a range of 80-110 km) and MkII (with a range of 140-160 km).
The Gandiva's key feature is its SFDR propulsion, a technology co-developed with Russia since 2013. This technology allows the missile to achieve a reported range of 300-350 kilometers and speeds surpassing Mach 4.5
The SFDR system differs from conventional rocket motors by using atmospheric oxygen to maintain thrust through a controllable ramjet, which significantly increases its range and the size of its no-escape zone (NEZ), the area within which a target aircraft cannot outrun the missile.
Successful ground tests, including a static launch in December 2024 at Odisha's Integrated Test Range, have confirmed the propulsion, guidance, and aerodynamic performance. Current in-flight trials, conducted using a Su-30 MKI fighter jet, represent a vital step towards the missile's full operational capability.
The capabilities of the Gandiva are comparable to, and potentially surpass, those of the MBDA Meteor, the primary BVR missile used by the Rafale.
The Meteor, with a range exceeding 100 km (and potentially further at high altitudes) and a ramjet-powered NEZ, has been a key factor in the IAF's existing fleet of 36 Rafale jets.
However, the Gandiva's longer range and Indian origin challenge the Meteor's exclusive advantage. Reports and social media posts indicate that two flight trials (FT-01 and FT-02) have successfully demonstrated safe separation from the launch aircraft.
Crucially, the Gandiva is planned for integration not only on the Su-30 MKI but also on the domestically produced Tejas Mk2 and AMCA. This widespread compatibility could neutralize the missile advantage previously held by the Rafale.
The effectiveness of the Gandiva will be further enhanced by the "Uttam" AESA radar, which will incorporate Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology on the Tejas Mk2 and AMCA.
Compared to the Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)-based RBE2 AESA radar used in the Rafale, GaN technology provides superior power efficiency, increased range, and better resistance to electronic jamming. These advantages could give Indian fighters a significant edge over the Rafale's older radar system.
The Uttam, developed by India's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), is nearing delivery for the Tejas Mk2 prototype, which is scheduled for rollout by late 2025.
With an estimated 1,000-1,200 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs), the Uttam is expected to have detection ranges that meet or exceed the RBE2's reported 200 km range for fighter-sized targets.
AESA radars offer significant advantages in air combat, including improved target detection and tracking, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities, and greater resistance to countermeasures.
The AMCA, India's planned fifth-generation stealth fighter, will also utilize GaN AESA radar technology, possibly a system called "Virupaksha" with around 1,400 TRMs. This could provide a detection range of up to 300 km, according to defence analysts.
Dassault's plans to upgrade the Rafale's radar to GaN technology are not expected until 2030, putting it behind India's development timeline. This is particularly relevant in the MRFA tender, where advanced avionics are a high priority.
The IAF's demonstrated commitment to indigenous systems, such as the integration of the Astra MkI on the Su-30 MKI and Tejas Mk1A, further indicates a preference for domestically developed solutions.
The MRFA tender, seeking 114 jets (reduced from the original 126 in the earlier MMRCA tender), includes the Rafale competing against aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, Saab Gripen, and Su-35.
The Rafale's previous success in securing a contract for 36 jets was largely attributed to the Meteor missile's superior BVR capabilities.
However the European consortium behind the Meteor has been hesitant to integrate the missile onto non-Western platforms like the Su-30 MKI or Tejas. This exclusivity, initially intended to strengthen the position of European fighters, is now being directly challenged by the Gandiva and the GaN AESA-equipped Indian aircraft.
The Tejas Mk2, with its first flight anticipated in 2026 and induction planned for 2029, could potentially surpass the Rafale in simulated air combat scenarios, thanks to the integrated Gandiva. The AMCA, expected in the 2030s, will further strengthen India's position with its stealth features and advanced sensors.
While the Rafale's GaAs AESA radar and Meteor missile remain powerful, they do not possess the same range and future-proofing potential as India's developing arsenal. This factor weakens the Rafale's position in a tender that emphasizes technology transfer and local manufacturing.
While some experts point out that the Gandiva has not yet been proven in actual combat, and the integration of GaN AESA technology may encounter initial challenges, potentially causing delays. However, the IAF's positive experience with the Astra MkI and MkII suggests a strong confidence in the DRDO's development path.
The Rafale, with its established operational record, maintains an advantage in terms of immediate deployment. However, its long-term prospects in the MRFA tender may depend on concessions that Dassault and MBDA have been reluctant to provide thus far.
The Indian government's push for "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) in defence further strengthens the case for indigenous systems.
