Context:
DRDO Conducts Successful Release Trials of ‘Gaurav’ Long-Range Glide Bomb.
About the Gaurav Glide Bomb
- What is Gaurav?
- A precision-guided long-range glide bomb designed to strike land targets from stand-off distances, keeping the launch aircraft outside enemy air defense coverage.
- Developer:
- Developed by DRDO, in collaboration with:
- Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE)
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI)
- Integrated Test Range (ITR)
- Developed by DRDO, in collaboration with:
Key Features & Capabilities
- Range:
- 30 km to 150 km (recent test demonstrated ~100 km range)
- Weight Variants:
- Gaurav (Winged version): 1,000 kg
- Gautham (Non-winged version): 550 kg
- Navigation & Guidance:
- Uses Inertial Navigation System (INS)
- Integrated with satellite-based guidance and digital flight control
Strategic Significance for India
- Enhances IAF’s Stand-off Strike Capability:
- Allows fighter jets to strike deep into enemy territory without entering hostile airspace.
- Increases Pilot Safety:
- Reduces the risk to aircraft and crew by launching bombs from safe distances.
- Boosts Indigenous Defence Production:
- Strengthens India’s self-reliance in smart and precision-guided munitions.
- Aligns with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ defence strategy.
- Modern Warfare Ready:
- Aids in precision targeting, a critical element in network-centric and limited collateral damage warfare.
