The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), a premier research institute under the Ministry of Defence, recently conducted a successful trial of its indigenously developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) from the Hawk-I jet of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This marked the ninth successful test of the system over the past five years. This cutting-edge weapon system is expected to boost India’s defence capabilities, contributing significantly to self-reliance in critical defence technology.
Background of the SAAW System
The origins of the SAAW system can be traced back to around 2012-13 when the development of this glide bomb-type weapon began with crucial inputs from the Indian Air Force (IAF). It’s noteworthy that the first successful test of this system was carried out in 2016.
Production and Key Features
The manufacturing of the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon is carried out by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) based in Hyderabad. The weapon has been uniquely designed to target and strike ground targets effectively. Adversary airfield infrastructure and other strategically essential installations are primarily in its crosshairs.
An exceptional feature of the SAAW is its weight class at only 125 kilograms, making it a smart weapon capable of engaging ground-based enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways. Additionally, it boasts of an impressive range of up to 100 kilometers. Its lightweight body substantially separates it from comparable weapon systems, giving it a strategic edge in operations.
Unique Capabilities
The high precision guided bomb nature of the SAAW enables it to offer superior performance in terms of accuracy, making it a formidable addition to the country’s defence arsenal. Other Related Developments
Other Related Developments
The successful testing of the SAAW comes months after the DRDO tested another weapon system, Rudram, in October 2020. Designed to target enemy radar and communication assets, Rudram is an air-to-surface missile developed primarily to enhance the Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) capability of the Indian Air Force. The missile has the potential to detect, track, and neutralise enemy radar, communication assets, and other radio frequency sources, which typically form part of the adversary’s air defence systems.
Conclusion
The successful trials and ongoing development of weapon systems like SAAW and Rudram underscore the DRDO’s commitment to enhancing India’s defence capabilities. Bolstered by these indigenous technological advancements, the nation’s defence forces stand better equipped to safeguard national security, thus furthering the goal of self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
Source: Press Information Bureau (PIB)
