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

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