
In a major boost to India's domestic defense capabilities, Solar Industries India Limited (SOLARINDS) has successfully tested its indigenously developed 125kg bomb on a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet.
Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal, Chairman of SOLARINDS, confirmed the milestone, marking a crucial step toward equipping the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a versatile, homegrown air-to-ground weapon.
The development of this bomb falls under the Make-II Defense Production program, an initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance in India's defense sector. Designed as a universal bomb with similarities to the globally-utilized MK-81 bomb, it is anticipated to integrate seamlessly with the IAF's existing aircraft fleet, including the Mirage-2000.
The 125kg bomb is the brainchild of the Solar Group, a Nagpur-based explosives manufacturer. The significance of this project was underscored in November 2023 when the IAF Chief personally inspected the bomb.
Following its successful trials on the Su-30MKI, the bomb will undergo trials on the Mirage-2000. Successful completion will pave the way for its potential induction into the IAF's active arsenal.
Integration of this domestically produced bomb across multiple IAF aircraft offers a significant advantage, providing Indian pilots with a reliable and indigenously manufactured weapon for a wide range of scenarios.