India’s New Benchmark in Air Superiority
DRDO Unveils Gandiva: India’s Longest-Range Air-to-Air Missile: India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially named its next-generation air-to-air missile Gandiva. Built for beyond visual range (BVR) combat, Gandiva marks a technological leap for the Indian military. The missile boasts a maximum strike range of 340 km at high altitudes and 190 km at low altitudes, making it one of the most powerful in its class. Equipped with a dual-fuel ducted ramjet engine, Gandiva allows flexible launch profiles across altitudes, giving India a clear edge in aerial dominance.
Global Edge and Comparisons
Gandiva surpasses many of its global counterparts in range and versatility. India’s existing top-tier BVR missile, the French MBDA Meteor, has a range of 200 km, while the Chinese PL-15 reaches up to 300 km and the U.S. AIM-174 BVRAAM extends to 240 km. Gandiva’s 340 km range positions India ahead in BVR combat capabilities. Its ability to target multiple aerial threats such as fighter jets and bombers makes it a game-changer in modern aerial warfare. This strategic advantage could shift the military balance in South Asia.
Indigenous Deployment and Integration
Gandiva will be integrated into the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Initial tests have demonstrated successful outcomes, including ground trials and mid-air system integration. The missile’s deployment on these platforms will significantly enhance India’s interception and engagement capabilities, especially during conflict scenarios requiring long-range pre-emptive strikes.
Rise of Defence Exports and Self-Reliance
India’s defence exports hit a record ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, a 32.5% jump from the previous year. The private sector contributed around 60%, while the Ministry of Defence targets ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029. To push self-reliance, the Positive Indigenisation List was expanded to 346 items, reducing reliance on imports. In FY 2023-24, India’s defence production reached ₹1.26 lakh crore, with public sector units leading the manufacturing surge.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
DRDO Unveils Gandiva: India’s Longest-Range Air-to-Air Missile:
| Topic | Details |
| Missile Name | Gandiva |
| Developed By | DRDO (India) |
| Type | Air-to-Air BVR Missile |
| Maximum Range | 340 km (high altitude); 190 km (low altitude) |
| Engine | Dual-Fuel Ducted Ramjet |
| Deployment Platforms | Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Tejas |
| Compared Systems | Meteor (France – 200 km), PL-15 (China – 300 km) |
| India’s Defence Export FY 2023-24 | ₹21,083 crore (up 32.5%) |
| Defence Production FY 2023-24 | ₹1,26,887 crore (up 16.7%) |
| Positive Indigenisation List | 346 items |
