DRDO Conducts Successful Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from Su-30 MKI Aircraft

IN NEWS

DRDO Conducts Successful Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’ from Su-30 MKI Aircraft

ANALYSIS

1. Context and Overview
   • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted Release Trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ between April 8–10, 2025, from the Su-30 MKI aircraft.
   • These trials mark a major milestone in India’s pursuit of indigenous precision-guided munitions development.
2. Trial Details
   • The bomb was integrated on multiple stations of the aircraft in different warhead configurations.
   • It successfully demonstrated a range of nearly 100 km with pinpoint accuracy against a land target on an island.
   • The trials were jointly monitored by DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) officials.
3. Development Agencies
   • The 1,000 kg-class LRGB ‘Gaurav’ has been indigenously designed and developedby:
     • Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
     • Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
     • Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur
   • These organisations have been pivotal in advancing India’s precision strike capabilities.
4. Industrial Collaboration
   • The development involved significant industry participation through Development-cum-Production Partners:
     • Adani Defence Systems & Technologies
     • Bharat Forge
     • Various MSMEs contributing to component development.
   • This highlights India’s growing public–private defence ecosystem and aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
5. Certification and Quality Assurance
   • The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) played key roles in ensuring airworthiness and system reliability during the trials.
6. Significance for Indian Armed Forces
   • Once inducted, ‘Gaurav’ will enhance the precision strike capability of the IAF, enabling long-range engagement of ground targets without exposing aircraft to enemy air defences.
   • It strengthens India’s deterrence and tactical depth in air warfare operations.
7. Statements by Leadership
   • Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF, and industry partners, noting that the LRGB ‘Gaurav’ would significantly boost the combat capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.
   • Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary (Defence R&D) and Chairman, DRDO, lauded the successful trials, reaffirming DRDO’s commitment to indigenous weapons innovation.

STATIC PART

Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’

• Type: Precision-guided Glide Bomb
• Class: 1,000 kg
• Range: ~100 km
• Launch Platform: Su-30 MKI (and potentially other compatible aircraft)
• Developed by: DRDO (RCI, ARDE, ITR)
• Purpose: To strike fixed ground targets with high accuracy while keeping launch aircraft outside enemy air defence zones.
• Guidance System: Likely includes GPS/INS-based guidance for precision targeting.
• Status: Successfully tested; induction process underway.

Su-30 MKI Aircraft

• Origin: Jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and India’s HAL.
• Role: Multirole air superiority fighter.
• Capabilities: Air-to-air and air-to-ground strike missions, including integration with indigenous weapon systems like BrahMos-A and Gaurav.

Updated – 11 Apr 2025 ; 6:13 PM | PIB

News Source:Press Information Bureau (PIB)