The upcoming introduction of India's new Astra Mk3 air-to-air missile, recently named "Gandiva," is set to significantly alter the balance of air power between India and Pakistan, according to a Pakistani defence expert.
Retired Squadron Leader Fahad Masood, speaking at a defence forum in Islamabad, stated that the Astra Mk3's advanced features could give the Indian Air Force (IAF) a considerable advantage.
The Astra Mk3 Gandiva, developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) powered by a ramjet engine.
Under ideal conditions, it boasts a range of 340 kilometers. This significantly outperforms its predecessors, the Astra Mk1 (with a range of 80-110 km) and the Mk2 (140-160 km).
The missile uses a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) system, allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 4.5. It is comparatively lightweight, weighing in at 220 kg. This enables its use on various fighter jets, including the Su-30 MKI and the Tejas.
The Gandiva also features a "snap-up/down" capability, meaning it can rapidly gain or lose altitude (±10 km) to engage targets, and uses an active radar seeker for accurate targeting at long distances.
The missile is expected to be inducted into the IAF by 2027-28, following completion of trials. Pakistani defence analysts, like Masood, believe that this poses a direct challenge to the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) current BVRAAM capabilities.
The PAF's primary long-range missiles are the AIM-120C AMRAAM (with a range of 105-120 km) used on its F-16s, and the PL-12 (range of 100 km) used on its JF-17 Thunder aircraft.
"The Astra Mk3's range and agility could neutralize our existing platforms before they even enter engagement zones," Masood cautioned. He highlighted that the Gandiva's 340 km range surpasses the PAF's longest-range missile by more than 200 km.
"This isn't just a technological leap; it's a strategic shift," he added. "The IAF could dominate BVR engagements, forcing us to rethink our air defence posture."
Masood further explained that India's ability to potentially strike Pakistani aircraft from beyond the Line of Control (LoC) or engage PAF jets in the Arabian Sea would significantly complicate Pakistan's defense strategy.
This is further exacerbated by the fact that Pakistan operates a smaller air force, with approximately 400 combat aircraft compared to India's 600+.
To address this potential imbalance, Masood suggested the PAF is considering two advanced BVRAAMs: Türkiye's GÖKHAN and China's PL-21.
The GÖKHAN, developed by TÜBİTAK SAGE, is also a ramjet-powered missile, intended for use on Türkiye's TF-X fighter. It has an estimated range of 150-200 km and can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 4.
First revealed in 2021, the GOKHAN emphasizes maneuverability and resistance to electronic jamming. However, it remains under development, with an expected induction date after 2030.
The PL-21, an advanced version of China's PL-15 (which has a range of 300 km), is believed to have a range of 350-400 km, utilizing dual-pulse motor technology. This would provide the PAF with a missile nearly matching the Astra Mk3's range.
The PL-21 is used on China's J-20 stealth fighter and features active radar and datalink capabilities. It could potentially be integrated into the JF-17 Block III, significantly enhancing its combat power. Given Pakistan's close relationship with China, delivery of the PL-21 could be expedited.
The development and deployment of these advanced BVRAAMs have broader regional implications. India's Gandiva surpasses the range of China's PL-15 (300 km) and the U.S. AIM-260 JATM (Joint Advanced Tactical Missile), reported to have range in excess of 200km, solidifying the IAF's position as a major air power.
For Pakistan, the ongoing development highlights the risk of its F-16 and JF-17 fleets becoming outdated without significant upgrades to their missile capabilities.
