A Defining Moment in India’s Defence Modernisation
In a landmark stride toward enhancing India’s strategic strike capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed release trials of its indigenously developed Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’. Conducted from April 8 to 10, 2025, these trials marked the precision deployment of the bomb from the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.
This success not only adds a powerful tool to India’s aerial arsenal but also underscores the growing maturity and technological prowess of the country’s defence research ecosystem. With ‘Gaurav’, India moves closer to operationalising indigenous, precision-guided munitions that can strike targets with pinpoint accuracy from long distances—crucial for both deterrence and real-time combat scenarios. For DRDO, this achievement further solidifies its standing as a world-class innovator in advanced weapons systems.
Precision in Action: The Trials and Their Success
The trials showcased the ‘Gaurav’ bomb’s extraordinary performance, demonstrating a range of nearly 100 kilometers while maintaining pinpoint accuracy on island-based land targets. The bomb, weighing in the 1,000 kg class, was deployed in multiple warhead configurations, successfully integrated at various stations on the Su-30 MKI aircraft.
These tests validate the bomb’s capability to be deployed in real-world combat missions, offering stand-off strike capabilities with minimal risk to the delivery platform. Officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force closely monitored and reviewed the trials, marking a key step toward the weapon’s eventual induction into active service.
A Made-in-India Weapon System: Powering Self-Reliance
‘Gaurav’ is the result of extensive collaborative innovation across multiple DRDO labs, including the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur. It is a shining example of the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative in action—where design, development, and deployment are achieved within the country.
The project also benefited from public-private partnerships. Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and several micros, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) played crucial roles as Development-cum-Production Partners, accelerating prototyping and production. Certification and quality assurance were provided by the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), ensuring reliability under combat conditions.
National Recognition and Strategic Implications
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the successful trials, emphasizing how the weapon system will significantly enhance the Indian Armed Forces’ combat potential. Secretary of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also praised the DRDO team for this technological feat.
With the successful demonstration of ‘Gaurav’, India sends a strong signal to the world about its capability to independently develop sophisticated defence systems. It also positions DRDO for greater international recognition and potential collaboration in the domain of advanced guided munitions.
A Glide Toward Strategic Supremacy
The successful release trials of ‘Gaurav’ mark more than just a technological achievement—they represent a leap in India’s defence preparedness and self-reliance. As the weapon moves closer to operational induction, the Indian Air Force is set to gain a potent force multiplier, enhancing both strategic depth and mission flexibility. For DRDO, this success further cements its legacy of transforming innovation into national security assets. With ‘Gaurav’, India not only strengthens its skies—but its global stature as a defence technology leader.
(With agency inputs)
