Gandiva Missile: India’s Thunderous Weapon Set to Shake Enemies—How Powerful Is It Compared to China and the US?
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed a cutting-edge air-to-air missile named Gandiva, poised to elevate India’s aerial combat power to new heights. Technologically advanced and strategically significant, this missile draws inspiration from Indian mythology—named after Arjuna’s divine bow in the Mahabharata.
A Revolution in Aerial Warfare
The Gandiva missile is not just another missile in India’s arsenal—it represents a transformational leap in India’s defense capabilities. It is a key step in India’s effort to maintain air superiority in the 21st century. What makes Gandiva truly stand out is its Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capability—an edge that only a few advanced militaries in the world currently possess.
Technical Features and Range
Developed under the Astra MK-3 project, Gandiva is capable of neutralizing enemy fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, and AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems). It boasts a range of up to 340 km when launched from 20 km altitude, and 190 km from 8 km altitude. This makes it superior in range to both China’s PL-15 (300 km) and America’s AIM-174 BVRAAM (240 km), offering India a significant strategic advantage.
Dual-Fuel Ducted Ramjet Engine – A Game Changer
At the heart of Gandiva’s superior performance is its dual-fuel ducted ramjet (DFDRJ) engine, which enables high-speed propulsion over long distances while conserving fuel. This engine not only makes Gandiva more efficient but also allows it to strike across various altitudes and mission profiles. The result: faster, farther, and more flexible engagement with enemy targets.
Boosting Indigenous Capabilities with Astra and Tejas
India recently achieved another milestone with the successful test of Astra Mk-1 on July 11, launched from a Sukhoi-30MKI over the Bay of Bengal. This underlines India’s growing self-reliance in BVR missile technology. Now, the LCA Tejas Mk1A, the advanced version of India’s indigenous fighter jet, will also be armed with Astra-class missiles, strengthening the Indian Air Force and reinforcing the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
Strategic Importance
With Gandiva, India is not only bridging the gap with global military powers but is setting a new benchmark in missile technology. It positions India firmly in the elite group of nations with advanced BVR air-to-air combat systems—offering greater protection, enhanced deterrence, and deeper strategic depth in the ever-evolving domain of aerial warfare.
