India Unveils 'Gandiva' Long-Range Beyond-Visual-Range (BVR) Missile
India has announced the development of its latest long-range beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile, named 'Gandiva'. This missile represents a significant advancement in the nation's indigenous defense technology, aiming to enhance the combat capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Key Specifications of Gandiva:
- Length: 3,833 mm
- Diameter: 178 mm
- Launch Weight: 220 kg
- Speed: Capable of intercepting targets traveling at speeds ranging from Mach 2.0 to Mach 3.6
- Range:
- 190 km when launched from an altitude of 8 km
- 340 km when launched from an altitude of 20 km
- Angle of Attack: Up to 20 degrees
- Snap-Up Capability: ±10 km, allowing engagement of targets at varying altitudes
Design and Development:
The Gandiva missile is designed to engage highly maneuverable supersonic aircraft under all weather conditions, day or night. Its aerodynamic configuration and propulsion system enable it to achieve extended ranges, providing the IAF with a strategic advantage in aerial engagements.
Guidance and Warhead:
Equipped with a dual-mode guidance system, Gandiva utilizes mid-course inertial navigation with terminal active radar homing. This ensures high accuracy in target acquisition and engagement. The missile carries a high-explosive pre-fragmented warhead, designed to maximize lethality against enemy aircraft.
Integration and Future Prospects:
The Gandiva missile is expected to be integrated across various IAF platforms, including the Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29, and the indigenous Tejas fighters. This standardization will streamline logistics and training processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The development of Gandiva underscores India's commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense technology. By investing in indigenous missile systems, India aims to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and bolster its defense capabilities.
The unveiling of the Gandiva long-range BVR missile marks a pivotal moment in India's defense landscape. With its advanced features and extended reach, Gandiva is poised to significantly enhance the IAF's air combat prowess, ensuring preparedness against evolving aerial threats.
