Context:
India’s most advanced air-to-air missile, Astra MK-III, has been renamed Gandiva, drawing inspiration from Arjuna’s iconic bow in the Mahabharata.
Astra MK-III (Gandiva)
- A next-generation Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile for high-speed aerial combat and long-range engagements.
- Developed by: Indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- Purpose: Designed to target and destroy high-speed, highly maneuverable enemy aircraft beyond visual range.
Features of Astra MK-III
- Technology Used:
- Powered by Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion, utilizing atmospheric oxygen as an oxidizer.
- Removes the need for onboard oxidizers, making it lighter and more efficient.
- Integrated with advanced radar and missile guidance systems for precision targeting.
- Range and Speed:
- Can target up to 340 km at 20 km altitude and 190 km at 8 km altitude.
- Sustains supersonic speeds up to Mach 4.5, with ranges between 300–350 km, depending on launch conditions.
Application and Capabilities
- Deployable on Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas).
- Can engage fighter jets, bombers, military transport aircraft, refueling planes, and AWACS.
- Features ±10 km snap-up/snap-down capability for varying altitudes.
- 20° angle of attack capability allows engagement of highly maneuverable enemy aircraft.
Significance of Astra MK-III
- Strengthens Defence Capability: One of the longest BVR ranges, surpassing China’s PL-15 and U.S. AIM-174.
- Enhances Self-Reliance: Reduces dependence on foreign weapon systems under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Boosts Defence Exports: Contributes to India’s record ₹21,083 crore defense exports (FY 2023-24); target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029.
Source: Economic Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
