The Indian Ministry of Defence is pushing the boundaries of innovation with a bold new challenge issued under the iDEX ADITI initiative. Startups across India are being tasked with transforming conventional 'dumb' bombs into intelligent, long-range weapons for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Challenge: Upgrading Legacy Weapon Systems
At the heart of this initiative lies the need to cost-effectively upgrade the IAF's arsenal of 250 kg High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) bombs.The goal is to develop a Range Extension Kit (REK) that will significantly boost range and precision, converting these existing bombs into guided weapons. Successful solutions must meet the following criteria:
- Extended Range: The REK, likely utilizing rocket or engine assistance, should extend the bomb's range beyond 150 km when launched under specific conditions (5 km altitude, Mach 0.8).
- Precision Guidance: The REK will incorporate electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) seekers and scene-matching technology, ensuring pin-point accuracy even in areas where GPS signals are unreliable.
- Operational Compatibility: Solutions must integrate effortlessly with IAF aircraft and their bomb racks.
- Exceptional Accuracy: The desired outcome is a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters, with an ideal target of less than 3 meters.
- Mission Versatility: Planners must be able to select the bomb's impact angle and attack direction prior to launch.
- Practical Considerations: User-friendliness and low maintenance requirements are a priority.
Beyond the Prototype
The MoD's challenge asks for the development and delivery of five REK prototypes, along with the necessary integration, certification, maintenance, and storage capabilities.However, the potential of this technology extends far beyond the initial prototypes. The MoD envisions adapting this technology in the future to boost the capabilities of even heavier weapon systems.
Seizing the Opportunity
The iDEX ADITI challenge presents a tremendous opportunity for Indian startups within the defence and aerospace sectors.Startups successfully rising to this challenge will contribute directly to the IAF's power projection and become key players in modernizing India's indigenous defence industry.
This initiative holds the potential to transform air-to-ground warfare, enabling the IAF to conduct long-range, high-precision strikes with enhanced accuracy and flexibility.
