India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation has conducted release trials of the country’s first long-range glide bomb, the Gaurav.
The bomb was integrated from multiple stations of a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in multiple warhead configurations during the demonstration.
A range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) was achieved during the trials with pinpoint accuracy, an Indian Ministry of Defence press release stated.
The trials followed the Gaurav’s maiden flight trial in August 2024. The recent trial paves the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force.
Gaurav Glide Bomb
The bomb is in the 1,000-kilogram (2,200-pound) weight category.
Once launched, it steers toward the target using a combination of an Inertial Navigation System and Global Positioning System.
The Gaurav will allow Indian fighter jets to engage targets while staying beyond the range of the adversary’s anti-aircraft system, enhancing survivability.
Research Centre Imarat and Armament Research and Development Establishment have designed and developed the munition.
Its development and production partners are Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and various micro, small, and mid-sized firms.
