Description

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Context

Recently the Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducted the release trials of the Long Range Glide Bomb Gaurav marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous precision strike capabilities.

Introduction to Glide Bombs

A glide bomb is an aerial bomb that after being released from an aircraft glides toward its target rather than falling directly under gravity.

Unlike cruise missiles it has no propulsion system and instead uses aerodynamic lift to extend its range.

Glide bombs allow stand off precision strikes keeping the launch platform outside hostile air defence range.

About Gaurav

Feature	Details
Developer	DRDO, primarily by Research Centre Imarat of Hyderabad
Partners	Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge and multiple MSMEs
Type	Air launched precision glide bomb
Weight Class	1000 kg
Length	4 metres
Diameter	0.6 metre
Wingspan	3.4 metres
Range	Over 100 km when dropped from high altitudes
Guidance System	Dual guidance that is Inertial Navigation System + Satellite based GPS
Propulsion	None as relies on glide dynamics post release
Launch Platform	Compatible with fighter aircraft such as Su 30MKI, potentially Tejas Mk 1A in future

Strategic Significance

Dimension	Impact
Indigenous Capability	Enhances India’s self-reliance in precision weaponry under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Stand-off Capability	Launch aircraft can remain at safe distances beyond the reach of enemy radars and surface to air missiles.
Cost-effective	Cheaper alternative to cruise missiles for hitting fixed targets.
Operational Flexibility	Useful in both conventional warfare and surgical strikes.
Accuracy	Dual guidance enhances precision targeting in GPS denied or jammed environments.

Comparison with Other Indigenous Bombs

Bomb	Type	Range	Weight Class	Developer
Gaurav	Glide Bomb	100+ km	1,000 kg	DRDO
Gautham	Guided Bomb	30-50 km	500 kg	DRDO
Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW)	Precision Glide Weapon	100+ km	120 kg	DRDO