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India has marked a major achievement in defence technology by successfully developing the 'Gaurav', an advanced 1,000-kilogram class Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB).
Developed entirely within the country by the DRDO, Gaurav positions India among a select few nations capable of producing such powerful, purpose-built glide weapons.
Recent flight tests, carried out between April 8 and 10, 2025, from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MKI fighter jet, confirmed the bomb's ability to strike targets with high precision over distances reaching 100 kilometres.
The Gaurav stands out due to its significant 1,000 kg size, a category rarely seen in glide bombs globally, which more commonly weigh around 500 kg because of the aerodynamic challenges associated with heavier designs. Its capabilities place it alongside renowned international systems like the American JDAM-ER and Israel's SPICE-2000.
Gaurav's development is a purely Indian effort, involving key DRDO laboratories such as the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), alongside industry partners including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge. This collaboration highlights India's increasing self-sufficiency in sophisticated military hardware.
Designed for launch from high altitudes, typically above 40,000 feet, the Gaurav uses a sophisticated navigation system that combines satellite-based GPS signals with an independent Inertial Navigation System (INS). This dual guidance ensures accuracy even if enemy forces attempt to block GPS signals. This technology allows the bomb to glide effectively over 100 kilometres to its target.
Consequently, IAF aircraft can engage valuable, heavily protected targets like command centres, enemy airfields, or reinforced bunkers while remaining outside the range of hostile air defence systems. Gaurav also offers flexibility through different warhead options, including types designed for widespread shrapnel effects or for penetrating hardened structures.
The successful creation of Gaurav fills an important need in India’s arsenal, providing a potent standoff strike capability. Standoff weapons allow attacks from distances that keep launch platforms safe. Gaurav offers a powerful, accurate option that can be more cost-effective than comparable long-range missiles.
Confirming the weapon's performance, the Ministry of Defence stated, "The trials successfully demonstrated a range close to 100 km with pinpoint accuracy." Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended the DRDO, IAF, and contributing industries, emphasizing that Gaurav will substantially strengthen the operational effectiveness of India's armed forces.
Globally, heavy glide bombs like Gaurav are uncommon due to the complex engineering required to balance a large payload with long-range flight and precision accuracy.
While systems like the JDAM-ER extend the reach of standard bombs to approximately 72 kilometres, and the SPICE-2000 reaches nearly 100 kilometres using its own guidance systems, Gaurav matches or potentially surpasses these in range while being developed domestically. This indigenous production provides India with greater strategic independence, reducing reliance on foreign defence suppliers.
The Gaurav project is also notable for its collaborative development model. It involved significant contributions from private sector companies and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), working alongside DRDO. This successful partnership between public research organisations and private industry reflects a growing trend aimed at accelerating innovation within India's defence sector.
The system's performance and safety were rigorously validated and certified by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), India's regulatory body for military aviation.
