India’s home-grown Astra air-to-air missile is on the verge of taking a huge technological leap, with the upcoming Mk2 and Mk3 variants set to feature advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) AESA seekers. This may sound highly technical, but in simple terms, these new seekers are like giving the missile sharper senses and a smarter “brain”—helping it spot and destroy enemy aircraft faster and from farther away, even if the target tries to confuse or jam the missile’s electronics. The DRDO’s work on these technologies marks an important milestone for India’s airpower and self-reliance .
What Are Astra Mk2 & Mk3?
Astra is Indian Air Force’s answer to the need for modern, homegrown missiles that can shoot down enemy fighters long before they can pose a threat. The Mk1 version has already been inducted, capable of hitting airborne targets at ranges up to 110 km. Astra Mk2 will soon join frontline fighters like the Su-30MKI and Tejas, boosting its reach to about 160–200 km. The upcoming Astra Mk3—codenamed “Gandiva”—takes things to a whole new level with an expected range of 300 km or more thanks to a state-of-the-art ramjet engine that lets the missile fly faster, further, and remain deadly across its entire path.
Why Is the GaN AESA Seeker a Big Deal?
Traditional missiles use sensors to locate and lock onto their targets, but modern electronic warfare means those signals can be jammed or tricked. An AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) seeker is a type of radar that’s both powerful and very flexible, capable of switching frequencies so quickly that it’s almost impossible to blind with enemy jammers. Earlier versions used Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), but the shift to Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology is revolutionary: GaN seekers handle more power, work better in extreme heat, and resist jamming much more effectively.
What does that mean in the real world? The missile’s “eyes” get sharper, and its chances of hitting stealthy or fast-moving targets go up dramatically. Thanks to GaN, the kill range of Astra Mk2 and Mk3 is projected to increase by 30%—so not only can the missile strike from farther away, but enemy aircraft have a much smaller chance of escaping once locked on .
Indigenous Power: “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in Action
A major point of pride is that these advanced GaN transmit/receive modules are being developed right here in India. Instead of relying on foreign suppliers—sometimes a risky business, given changing international politics—Indian scientists and engineers are mastering high-tech radar systems at home, under the government’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. This not only secures the IAF’s access to cutting-edge weaponry but also opens up possibilities for exports down the line .
Where Are the Tests Now?
As of late 2025, Astra Mk2 is going through rigorous integration tests, being fitted and trialed on the IAF’s Su-30MKI jets and Tejas fighters. The Mk3 “Gandiva” is also moving into the spotlight, with ground-based tests already completed for its new ramjet engine. The next steps include mounting the missile on fighter aircraft and knocking down high-speed aerial targets in live-fire exercises—proving in real-world scenarios just how big an upgrade the GaN AESA seeker really is .
What Does It All Mean?
These upcoming missiles will enable Indian pilots to shoot first, shoot further, and shoot more accurately than ever before, even against stealthy or heavily defended enemy aircraft. With GaN-powered AESA seekers pushing their performance 30% higher, Astra Mk2 and Mk3 look set to help the Indian Air Force dominate future skies with a blend of indigenous innovation and world-class technology.
