DRDO's Gaurav: India's New Long-Range Glide Bomb Success

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the Gaurav, a 1,000 kg air-launched glide bomb, off the coast of Odisha.

Gaurav: India's Advanced Long-Range Glide Bomb

Gaurav successfully tested on August 13, 2024, off the coast of Odisha
Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, a DRDO laboratory
Launched from Indian Air Force's Su-30 MK-I fighter jet
Hit target on Long Wheeler's Island with pinpoint accuracy
Part of DRDO's efforts to enhance India's self-reliance in defence technology
Private sector involvement: Adani Defence and Bharat Forge as Development cum Production Partners

Key specifications:

- Weight: 1,000 kg
- Range: Approximately 100 km
- Classification: Air-launched glide bomb

Features:

- Advanced navigation system combining INS and GPS
- Capable of hitting targets with high accuracy
- Designed to avoid radar detection

Long-Range Glide Bombs: Strategic Importance

Characteristics of long-range glide bombs:
- Can travel over 110 kilometers without propulsion
- GPS-guided for accurate targeting
- Designed to evade radar detection
Strategic advantages:
- Allow air force to hit targets beyond conventional munition range
- Can be launched from safe distance, avoiding enemy air defence systems
- Small size, lack of propulsion, and minimal heat signature enhance stealth capabilities
Similar technologies:
- GBU-39/B: Comparable long-range capabilities
- UK's Paveway IV: Adaptable for various missions
- JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition): Converts free-fall bombs into precision-guided weapons
Historical context:
- First developed by Israel in the 1980s
- Typically launched from strategic bombers or fighter jets
DRDO's ongoing projects:
- Gaurav: 1,000 kg winged bomb with 100 km range
- Gautham: 550 kg non-winged bomb with 30 km range

DRDO and India's Defence Technology Advancement

DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation):

- Established in 1958
- Works under the Ministry of Defence
- Operates over 50 laboratories across India

Key achievements:

- First major project: Development of Ajanta missile
- Tejas fighter aircraft
- Akash missile system
- Crucial role in National Missile Development Programme (NSDP)

Main objective

- Enhance India's self-reliance in defence technology and systems

Current leadership:

- Chairman: Dr. Samir V. Kamath
- Headquarters: New Delhi

Recent milestones:

- Successful test of Gaurav praised by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
- Described as a major step in developing indigenous defence technologies
- Enhances Indian Armed Forces' combat capabilities

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