CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
India has marked a significant milestone in its defence modernization efforts with the successful release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), codenamed ‘Gaurav’. Conducted between April 8 and 10, 2025, the tests were carried out using the Indian Air Force’s frontline Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft. This achievement not only underscores India's growing expertise in precision-guided munitions but also strengthens its strategic aerial strike capabilities.
Introducing ‘Gaurav’: A Next-Gen Precision Weapon
The Gaurav glide bomb is a state-of-the-art, air-launched weapon system designed for high-precision, long-distance strikes. With an operational range spanning 30 km to 150 km, it is engineered to neutralize enemy targets while staying beyond the engagement zones of most air defence systems.
Key physical attributes of the Gaurav bomb include:
Weight: Approximately 1,000 kilograms
Length: Around 4 metres
Wingspan: 3.4 metres
Strike Range Demonstrated: ~100 km during trials
Guidance: Inertial navigation system (INS) supported by satellite-based augmentation
The advanced design ensures a high degree of accuracy, making it capable of striking both fixed and mobile targets under various operational conditions.
Development And Engineering Excellence
The Gaurav project is the result of collaborative innovation led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Several premier DRDO labs were involved in the development, including:
Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) – responsible for weapon integration and warhead development
Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – which contributed to the guidance and control systems
Integrated Test Range (ITR) – for conducting flight and accuracy evaluations
Engineered to be modular and versatile, Gaurav has been tested with multiple warhead types and configurations to suit various mission profiles, including anti-structure and area-target destruction.
Technology Behind Bomb
Gaurav features a hybrid guidance system that combines inertial navigation with satellite augmentation (likely GPS/NavIC-based). This dual-mode system ensures precision even in GPS-denied environments. Digital flight control systems and aerodynamic surfaces further enhance stability and accuracy during glide phases.
The weapon does not require onboard propulsion, relying on aerodynamic lift for extended range, making it cost-effective and easier to integrate with multiple aircraft platforms.
Public-Private Partnership And Indigenous Manufacturing
The production of the Gaurav bomb is a testament to India’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) in defence. The manufacturing ecosystem includes a range of public and private sector companies:
Adani Defence Systems and Technologies
Bharat Forge
Several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
This decentralized production model not only accelerates timelines but also fosters technology transfer and domestic capability development in critical defence sectors.
Strategic Impact And Future Prospects
The successful trials of the Gaurav LRGB signify a major leap in India’s aerial strike capabilities. With increasing threats along its borders and the need for surgical precision in modern warfare, such weapons provide the Indian Air Force with greater flexibility and standoff capability.
Furthermore, integration of Gaurav with various fighter platforms—including potential future deployment on Tejas and Rafale jets—could enhance mission flexibility and deterrence.
As India continues to expand its indigenous defence production and export portfolio, the Gaurav bomb may also emerge as a potential export product for friendly foreign nations, in line with India's growing stature as a global defence technology hub.
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