Gandiva / Astra Mk-3 — SFDR Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile

ACTIVE

Long-range DRDO air-to-air missile path using Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet propulsion

Budget

N/A

Timeline

N/A

Sector

DRDO

Indigenisation

95%

R&D READINESS

TRL 6/9

DRDO / DRDL Hyderabad · Air-to-Air Missile

● ACTIVE

INTEL SIGNALS

Astra Mk-3 is generally associated with the Gandiva/SFDR long-range BVRAAM path, but the missile should not be treated as a fielded system. PIB confirmed a successful SFDR technology demonstration on 03 Feb 2026, which supports the propulsion path for future long-range air-to-air missiles. Track Astra Mk-3 as active technology/missile development rather than prototype induction.

RECENT INTELLIGENCE

India unleashes Gandiva of Arjuna, Astra MK-3 air-to-air missile to dominate skies & surpass China, US counterparts - Organiser

news.google.com · 23 Jun 2025

DRDO Fast-Tracks Astra Mk-3 ‘Gandiva’ Missile Development with Next-Gen Propulsion and GaN-Based AESA Seeker - Indian Masterminds

news.google.com · 16 Jul 2025

Astra Mk3 explained: Range, speed, features and why India's Gandiva missile matters - Moneycontrol.com

news.google.com · 13 Oct 2026

DRDO's Astra Mk3 'Gandiva' with 300km SFDR Range Poised to Propel IAF Towards Aerial Dominance, Rivalling Global Air-to-Air Missile - Defence.in

news.google.com · 10 May 2025

DRDO successfully tests SFDR propulsion for next-gen Astra Mk-3 missile with range beyond 350 km; know key de - India.com

news.google.com · 03 Feb 2026

PROGRAM BRIEF & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Essential facts about Gandiva / Astra Mk-3

Pipeline Status

TRL-6/9

SFDR Tech Path

Estimated Budget

Undisclosed

Financial Outlay

Target Timeline

2028+

Operational Target

Armed Service

DRDO

95% Indigenous

What is the current status and stage of Gandiva / Astra Mk-3?▾

Gandiva / Astra Mk-3 — SFDR Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile is currently at Technology Readiness Level TRL-6/9 (SFDR Tech Path). Long-range DRDO air-to-air missile path using Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet propulsion

When is Gandiva / Astra Mk-3 expected to be inducted or deployed?▾

The program schedule indicates ongoing execution with an operational milestone/induction targeted for 2028+.

Which agencies and companies are building Gandiva / Astra Mk-3?▾

Gandiva / Astra Mk-3 is developed in coordination with lead agency: DRDO / DRDL Hyderabad; development partner: BDL / HAL / IAF; vendors: DRDO DRDL, RCI, BDL.

What is the indigenisation level of Gandiva / Astra Mk-3?▾

Gandiva / Astra Mk-3 targets an indigenous content of 95%, advancing domestic defence manufacturing under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

CONTENDERS / VENDORS

DRDO DRDL · RCI · BDL

LATEST UPDATES

No updates published yet.