The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully executed a drop trial of the indigenously built Khagantak-243 Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), achieving a major breakthrough for India's precision strike capabilities and the domestic defence manufacturing sector.
The test successfully validated all planned flight objectives.
Falling in the 300-kilogram weight class, the Khagantak-243 is the result of a joint effort between Nagpur-based private startup JSR Dynamics and public sector enterprise Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
Under this collaborative model, JSR Dynamics designed the weapon's aerodynamic airframe and control systems, while BEL provided the advanced electronics and guidance architecture.
Open-source data highlights that nearly 90% of the bomb's subsystems are manufactured within the country.
The munition is armed with a 125-kilogram Mk-81 blast-fragmentation warhead enclosed within a cylindrical body.
It features mid-body swivel wings and five aft control surfaces to maintain stability during flight. Lacking a propulsion engine, the bomb relies entirely on aerodynamic lift to glide toward its target after being released.
When dropped from an altitude of 12 kilometres at Mach 0.85, the weapon can hit targets situated between 144 and 180 kilometres away.
This impressive stand-off range allows IAF fighter jets to destroy enemy runways, hardened bunkers, and command centres without ever entering hostile air defence zones.
To ensure pinpoint accuracy, the Khagantak-243 employs a sophisticated mid-course guidance system that combines an Inertial Navigation System (INS) with jamming-resistant satellite navigation (GNSS), allowing it to function effectively even in GPS-denied environments.
For the final approach, it can utilize an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) seeker or a passive homing head. This terminal guidance setup provides a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 5 metres.
Artificial intelligence algorithms are also integrated to help the seeker autonomously recognize and track targets based on thermal and visual signatures.
The recent trials were probably conducted from a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet at the Pokhran test range. The Su-30MKI has been designated as the primary test platform, but the IAF plans to eventually integrate the weapon with other combat aircraft, including the MiG-29K and Mirage-2000.
The Khagantak project features a highly modular design. Alongside the Khagantak-243, the family includes heavier, longer-range variants like the Khagantak-306, Khagantak-450, and Khagantak-720 to accommodate larger Mk-80 series warheads.
This development runs parallel to the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) own 1,000-kg Gaurav glide bomb, which underwent testing earlier in 2025.
Historically, the IAF has relied heavily on imported munitions like the Spice and Hammer glide bombs for precision strike missions, such as Operation Sindoor.
However, the indigenous Khagantak programme is set to alter this dynamic. The IAF has already placed an initial limited series order with BEL.
With over 1,000 units expected to join the inventory by 2026, officials estimate that this induction could drastically reduce India's reliance on imported smart bombs from over 70% down to under 20%.
