The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), named GAURAV, from an Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30 MKI platform. This test, conducted off the coast of Odisha, underscores India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defense technology development.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), GAURAV, from the Su-30 MKI platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This pivotal test took place off the coast of Odisha, marking a significant advancement in India’s defense capabilities.
GAURAV, a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb, is designed to strike targets at extended distances with precision. Upon release, the bomb navigates towards its target using a highly accurate hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS data. The Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, a key DRDO laboratory, has indigenously designed and developed GAURAV.
During the flight test, GAURAV successfully hit its designated target on Long Wheeler’s Island with pinpoint accuracy. The complete flight data was captured by telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range (ITR) along the coastline. The trial was closely monitored by senior DRDO scientists. Notably, Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, as Development cum Production Partners, actively participated in the flight trial.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the DRDO, IAF, and industry partners for this achievement, calling it a major milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to develop indigenous defense technologies that will further enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, congratulated the entire DRDO team for the successful flight test of the LRGB.
The successful test of the GAURAV glide bomb represents a significant stride in India’s defense technology, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities. With this achievement, DRDO continues to bolster the strength and precision of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet any challenge.
