The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Adani Defence and Aerospace, has successfully completed trials of its new long-range glide bomb, ‘Gaurav’. This cutting-edge weapon achieved a significant milestone by accurately hitting a target located over 100 km away. With the trials now concluded, the serial production of ‘Gaurav’ is set to commence.

The ‘Gaurav’ glide bomb, which was tested from a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet, weighs one tonne and can accommodate various types of warheads. Remarkably, despite not being equipped with its own propulsion system, the bomb demonstrated exceptional precision in striking the target. Its accuracy relies on advanced aerodynamics, winglet design, and a sophisticated inertial navigation system.

Designed to enhance strike capabilities, ‘Gaurav’ can be employed in scenarios similar to the 2019 Balakot airstrike, where Israeli SPICE glide bombs were previously used. The new Indian glide bomb is engineered to penetrate fortified structures and other high-value targets.

Utilizing a combination of GPS and inertial navigation, the ‘Gaurav’ ensures precise targeting. The navigation technology was developed by DRDO itself.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, the Indian Air Force (IAF), and industry partners for the successful test, highlighting it as a major advancement in the nation’s pursuit of self-reliant defense technologies. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence (Research and Development) and DRDO Chairman, also praised the team for their successful execution of the trial.