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Mahesh

16/08/24 11:29 AM IST

DRDO Successfully Tests Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I

In News
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) Gaurav from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force. 
About Gaurav
  • Gaurav is a cutting-edge air-launched glide bomb that weighs 1,000 kg.
  • It is designed to hit targets from a long distance and is equipped with a sophisticated navigation system that uses multiple guidance methods to ensure it strikes with high accuracy.
  • The Gaurav bomb was developed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad.
  • This project is a key example of India’s focus on achieving self-reliance in defence technology, reducing the need to rely on military equipment from other countries.
  • The project saw collaboration from private companies, including Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, which acted as Development cum Production Partners.
  • Their involvement highlights the growing role of the private sector in India’s defence industry. 
Long-Range Glide Bomb
  • Long-range glide bombs like Gaurav can travel over 110 kilometers without needing propulsion.
  • They are guided by GPS to ensure they hit their targets accurately and are designed to avoid detection by radar.
  • Other similar bombs include the GBU-39/B, which has similar long-range capabilities, and the UK’s Paveway IV, which can be adapted for different missions.
  • The JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) is another example, turning regular free-fall bombs into precision-guided weapons.
  • Such technologies were first developed by Israel in the 1980s.
  • These bombs are typically launched from strategic bombers or fighter jets and are designed to be hard to detect, increasing their effectiveness in military operations.
About DRDO
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was created in 1958.
  • It works under the Ministry of Defence and has more than 50 laboratories.
  • DRDO’s first big project was developing the Ajanta missile.
  • It is known for its work on the Tejas fighter aircraft and the Akash missile system.
  • It plays an important role in India’s National Missile Development Programme.
  • DRDO’s main aim is to make India more self-reliant in defence technology and systems.
Source- The Hindu

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