India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced the successful maiden flight test of its new long-range glide bomb dubbed the “Guarav.”
The test, which took place off the coast of Odisha, involved an Indian Air Force Su-30 MK-I fighter jet as the launch vehicle.
Using a hybrid navigation scheme, the weapon was able to hit its target from 100 kilometers (62 miles) away with pinpoint accuracy.
“Complete flight data during the test launch was captured by telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by Integrated Test Range along the coastline,” the country’s defense ministry said.
DRDO successfully conducted the inaugural flight test of the Gaurav long-range glide bomb from an IAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. The bomb, weighing 1,000 kg, and equipped with INS-GPS guidance, accurately struck its target.https://t.co/6pJPo4onZw
— Swarajya (@SwarajyaMag) August 14, 2024
After the test, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and its partners, saying the initiative marks a major milestone in India’s efforts to develop homegrown defense technologies for its armed forces.
About the Guarav
India’s Guarav is a 1,000-kilogram (2,200-pound) air-launched glide bomb developed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad.
Since it is not a missile, it does not have its own motor for powered flight.
Instead, the weapon relies on aerodynamics, its winglets, and a sophisticated navigation system to strike with high precision.
It also utilizes a mix of global positioning and inertial navigation to steer towards its target.
The Guarav can be used to support highly challenging combat missions, thanks to its ability to penetrate hardened structures.
