The war in Ukraine has underscored the growing significance of glide bombs in modern warfare, highlighting their cost-effectiveness and destructive capabilities. While the conflict rages thousands of kilometers away, it offers valuable insights for India, a nation that has been actively developing and deploying its own arsenal of these weapons.
Glide bombs are unpowered precision-guided munitions that are released from an aircraft, then glide to their target. They offer several advantages over traditional bombs, including increased range, accuracy, and reduced risk to the launching aircraft. In the Ukraine conflict, Russia's extensive use of glide bombs has demonstrated their effectiveness in targeting enemy infrastructure and military positions.
India's Indigenous Glide Bomb Arsenal
India has made significant strides in developing its own glide bomb capabilities, boasting two main indigenous options:- DRDO SAAW (Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon): Designed to neutralize airfields and fortified structures, the SAAW boasts a range of 100 km, making it a potent weapon for striking enemy infrastructure.
- Gaurav and Gautam Series: These glide bombs offer varying payloads and ranges, with Gaurav carrying a 1,000 kg payload over 100 km and Gautam carrying a lighter 550 kg payload over a shorter range of 30 km. Notably, a range extension kit is under development for Gautam, which currently relies on steerable fins for guidance.
Additional Glide Bomb Capabilities
In addition to its indigenous options, India utilizes glide bombs of foreign origin, including:- Spice Series: These Israeli-made glide bombs were notably deployed during the Balakot airstrike and are known for their precision and accuracy.
- Hammer Bombs: These French glide bombs offer further versatility to India's arsenal.
Lessons from Ukraine
Russia's extensive use of glide bombs in Ukraine has highlighted their strategic advantages:- Standoff Capability: Glide bombs allow aircraft to launch attacks from a safe distance, minimizing their exposure to enemy air defenses.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to more sophisticated missiles, glide bombs are relatively affordable, allowing for sustained offensives even in prolonged conflicts.
The development of indigenous capabilities, such as the SAAW and the Gaurav-Gautam series, demonstrates India's commitment to self-reliance in these defence technology.
