Gaurav Glide Bomb Hits the Bullseye: Sukhoi-30MKI Launches 1,000-kg Indigenous Precision Weapon with Striking Accuracy

In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, the indigenously developed long-range glide bomb ‘Gaurav’ has successfully completed release trials from a Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet. Conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF), these trials took place over three days—from April 8 to April 10, 2025—demonstrating the bomb’s powerful performance and precision strike capability.

What Makes 'Gaurav' Special?

The Gaurav glide bomb belongs to the 1,000-kg class and is designed for precision targeting of strategic ground-based assets. During the trials, it was launched from various stations on the Su-30MKI in different warhead configurations, targeting a land-based island with exceptional accuracy. The bomb successfully struck targets from a range of nearly 100 kilometers, showcasing its advanced guidance system and aerodynamic efficiency.

This weapon is equipped with a hybrid navigation system, which blends GPS satellite data with onboard sensors for high-precision mid-course correction and terminal guidance. This allows the bomb to glide over long distances after release and home in on the target with remarkable accuracy.

Fully Made in India

What truly sets Gaurav apart is that it is completely developed in India. The bomb has been designed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, and Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE). Manufacturing support has come from Indian private defence players like Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, Bharat Forge, and several MSMEs, ensuring a strong public-private collaboration.

Additionally, the bomb’s airworthiness and quality have been certified by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).

Ready for Induction into the IAF

Senior DRDO and IAF officials monitored the successful test, which marks a significant step toward the formal induction of Gaurav into the Indian Air Force’s operational fleet. This will equip the IAF with a powerful, indigenous standoff weapon capable of striking targets from a safe distance without putting the aircraft in harm’s way.

The Defence Ministry highlighted that the trials “are paving the way towards induction of the weapon into the IAF,” signaling that frontline fighter jets like the Su-30MKI may soon be armed with this precision-guided bomb.

Defence Minister’s Appreciation

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the collaborative efforts of all agencies and stakeholders involved. In a public message, he said that Gaurav would “greatly enhance the operational capabilities of our armed forces,” reinforcing India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence technologies.

Specifications of Gaurav Glide Bomb

• Weight Class: 1,000 kg

• Range: Close to 100 km

• Launch Platform: Sukhoi-30 MKI (multi-station integration)

• Guidance System: Hybrid navigation (GPS + onboard sensors)

• Strike Accuracy: Pinpoint (within a few meters of the target)

• Development Agencies: DRDO (RCI Hyderabad & ARDE Pune)

• Industry Partners: Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, MSMEs

• Certifying Agencies: CEMILAC and DGAQA

• First Tested: August 2023

• Latest Trials: April 8–10, 2025

A Leap Towards Strategic Autonomy

The success of Gaurav underscores India’s growing expertise in developing next-generation precision weapons. With long-range capability and indigenous design, it adds a vital layer to the country’s aerial strike arsenal. Once inducted, this advanced bomb will give the Indian Air Force the ability to destroy critical enemy infrastructure—such as bunkers, bridges, or command centers—from a standoff distance, with no need for foreign-made munitions.

In the age of modern warfare, where precision, range, and self-reliance are key, Gaurav is a shining symbol of India’s rising strength in the defence domain.