The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is advancing the Astra MK‑III beyond visual range air‑to‑air missile (BVRAAM) with a major emphasis on artificial intelligence‑assisted identification‑friend‑or‑foe (IFF) and spoof‑resilient guidance technologies.

The integration of these intelligent systems is designed to safeguard the missile against deceptive jamming and false target cues in contested electronic environments, particularly during long‑range engagements exceeding 300 kilometres.

The AI‑aided IFF capability is being developed to enable autonomous target discrimination when datalink information from the launch aircraft or supporting airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) becomes delayed, partial or unavailable. This system enhances the missile’s reliability in network‑degraded conditions, ensuring correct target acquisition even during beyond‑horizon intercepts.

A key area of focus is the development of spoof‑resistant mid‑course guidance algorithms that can adaptively verify datalink consistency and correct trajectory deviations caused by electronic deception or GPS interference.

The AI module dynamically assesses radar, infrared and telemetry data to prevent misguidance by decoys, countermeasures or electronic spoofing during the missile’s terminal phase.

The Astra MK‑III, also referred to as Astra ‘Gandiva’, is being calibrated to complement the Astra Mk‑II within the Indian Air Force’s layered BVR engagement strategy. The MK‑III’s dual‑pulse solid rocket propulsion and improved seeker electronics significantly extend its effective envelope, allowing engagement of high‑value aerial assets such as AEW&C aircraft and tankers at standoff distances.

Integration trials are expected to begin with the Su‑30MKI platform, with subsequent deployment planned for Tejas Mk‑IA and upcoming AMCA variants. Production clearance is currently projected around 2028, contingent upon successful validation of advanced guidance and seeker subsystems. Initial operational induction into the IAF is expected by early 2030.

Below is a concise technical comparison of the Astra MK-II and Astra MK-III air‑to‑air missiles, outlining the major leaps in range, propulsion, guidance, and integration capabilities.

FeatureAstra MK-IIAstra MK-III (Gandiva)
Max Range140–160 km ​190 km @ 8 km, 340 km @ 20 km ​
PropulsionDual-pulse solid rocket ​Solid fuel ducted ramjet ​
SpeedMach 4+ ​Mach 4.5+ ​
GuidanceInertial + midcourse datalink, terminal active radar seeker ​AI-enabled IFF, inertial w/ 2-way datalink, BCCL active radar homing ​
Target EnvelopeFighters, bombers, drones ​Fighters, bombers, AWACS, tankers, transports ​
Angle of AttackNot specified±20° (snap-up & snap-down) ​
Weight~175 kg ​±10 kg (speculative/section basis) ​
Diameter178–190 mm ​178/200 mm ​
Platform IntegrationSu-30MKI, Tejas, Rafale (planned) ​Su-30MKI first, then Tejas/AMCA ​
Data LinkOne-way, secure ​Two-way, anti-spoof, AI-assist ​

Summarising Key Upgrades in Astra MK-III

Propulsion shift to SFDR ramjet enables higher and sustained terminal velocity, and engagement flexibility against agile threats at extreme ranges.​

Guidance and IFF enhanced by AI modules, allowing discrimination against decoys and spoofing under contested EW conditions.​

Broader target profile, covering high-value enablers like AWACS and tankers in addition to fighters.​

Dual-pulse propulsion of MK-II maximises no-escape zone; MK-III’s ramjet stretches engagement envelope much further.​

These technical strides make Astra MK-III a strategic force-multiplier, complementing Astra MK-II as part of India’s layered air dominance architecture for the next decade.​

IDN (With Agency Inputs)