India's 'Gandiv' Missile: 350km Range, 4500 KMPH Speed to Counter China-Pak Threat

• India's Astra MK-III missile, named 'Gandiv', is a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile developed by DRDO.
• It boasts a strike range of up to 350 km, surpassing China's PL-15 and America's AIM-174, and will be integrated into SU-30MKI and Tejas jets.
• Equipped with a dual-fuel ducted ramjet engine, Gandiv can target enemy fighter jets, bombers, and AWACS from various altitudes.
• Full-scale production is expected by 2029, with successful ground and initial flight tests completed.
• The missile strengthens India's indigenous defense capabilities and boosts the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, with defense exports soaring.

Why It Matters: India's 'Gandiv' missile is a game-changer, boosting air combat prowess and self-reliance against rivals.