India Missiles and Guided Munitions

Nilgiri

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In modern aerial warfare, the ability to strike first and strike decisively defines the outcome of battles. The race for air superiority is no longer about just dogfights but about engagements far beyond visual range (BVR)—where the aircraft that fires first has the highest chance of survival. Enter Astra Mk-III, India’s latest homegrown beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), powered by an advanced Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) system, revealed now to be called ‘GANDIVA‘, the name of Arjuna’s bow in the Mahabharata.


In a tantalising data sheet that’s found its way to social media, the Gandiva/Astra Mk-III extends the no-escape zone for enemy fighters like perhaps never before. Data suggests it will be able to strike targets up to 340 km away at high altitudes, and 190 km at 8 km altitude—a range surpassing most air-to-air missiles fielded by adversaries, including the MBDA Meteor in service on the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighters.


This means that Indian fighter jets equipped with Gandiva/Astra Mk-III can engage enemy aircraft long before they come within striking distance, effectively neutralising threats before they pose a risk. This first-launch advantage is crucial against aircraft equipped with advanced radars, electronic warfare systems, and countermeasures.

(more at link)
 

Gessler

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Now what is this??

Gk5bC_nWQAAHF8W.jpeg


So this is basically an Agni-1P but with an even more maneuverable RV that legit qualifies as a HGV.

View attachment 73957

Essentially, this thing is our counterpart to the Dark Eagle LRHW. Of course our solid propellent tech isn't yet as good as the US so despite being longer & heavier it won't attain the same range figures. But damn if it doesn't deliver a very similar capability envelope.

1*worc4tj9AUvPaFRZS_5w9g.jpeg

Paywalled article from Jane's about the BM-04:


There's a neat little infographic in there as well.
 
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Gessler

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So this has been labelled as LRGR-120, so presumably this is the 120-km rocket:

Gk5EOrfaQAAJ4Rx.jpeg


Some people have seen tender documents that mention a 'LRGR-300' alongside the 120, so a 300-km rocket could yet emerge - also compatible with the Pinaka launcher, but perhaps only 2 or 3 rounds per box instead of 4 like the 120.
 

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