The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India has achieved milestone with the successful release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named ‘Gaurav’. Conducted between April 8 and 10, 2025, these trials were executed from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The trials demonstrated the bomb’s capabilities, including a range of nearly 100 kilometres and high precision targeting.
About Long-Range Glide Bomb ‘Gaurav’
The LRGB ‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000-kilogram class glide bomb. It has been indigenously designed and developed by several organisations under the DRDO. This includes Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment, and Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The bomb’s development reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
Integration and Testing
During the trials, ‘Gaurav’ was integrated with multiple stations and tested with different warhead configurations. The tests involved targeting land-based objectives on an island. The successful trials indicate the bomb’s versatility and operational readiness for various combat scenarios.
Collaborative Development Efforts
The development of the LRGB involved collaboration between DRDO and several industrial partners. Key contributors include Adani Defence Systems & Technologies and Bharat Forge. Additionally, various Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) played important role in the project’s success. This collaboration marks the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing defence capabilities.
Certification and Quality Assurance
The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance were instrumental in ensuring the bomb’s certification and quality assurance. Their involvement ensures that the LRGB meets the stringent standards required for military applications.
Future Implications for the Indian Air Force
The successful trials of the LRGB pave the way for its induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF). This advancement is expected to enhance the IAF’s operational capabilities . The LRGB will provide the IAF with a modern precision strike capability, aligning with contemporary warfare strategies.
Strategic Importance
The development of indigenous defence systems like the LRGB ‘Gaurav’ is critical for India’s strategic autonomy. It reduces dependence on foreign military technology and strengthens national security. This initiative is part of India’s broader goal to enhance its defence manufacturing capabilities and achieve self-sufficiency.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the significance of indigenous defence technology in enhancing national security.
- Critically discuss the role of public-private partnerships in the development of defence systems in India.
- What are the implications of the Long-Range Glide Bomb on modern warfare? Analyse its potential impact on air combat strategies.
- Estimate the effect of successful defence trials on India’s military preparedness and international standing.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the significance of indigenous defence technology in enhancing national security.
- Indigenous technology boosts self-reliance, reducing dependency on foreign arms.
- Enhances operational capabilities tailored to specific national security needs.
- Promotes technological innovation and research within the country.
- Strengthens economic stability through the growth of local defence industries.
- Fosters national pride and confidence in domestic capabilities.
2. Critically discuss the role of public-private partnerships in the development of defence systems in India.
- Facilitates resource sharing between government and private sectors for innovation.
- Encourages investment in defence R&D from private entities, enhancing technology transfer.
- Improves efficiency and reduces costs through competitive practices in the private sector.
- Strengthens supply chains by integrating MSMEs into the defence ecosystem.
- Ensures timely delivery of advanced systems through collaborative efforts.
3. What are the implications of the Long-Range Glide Bomb on modern warfare? Analyse its potential impact on air combat strategies.
- Increases precision strike capabilities, reducing collateral damage in combat.
- Enhances standoff range, allowing aircraft to engage targets safely from distance.
- Supports asymmetric warfare strategies by enabling tactical flexibility.
- Improves deterrence capabilities against adversaries through advanced weaponry.
- Aligns with modern warfare trends emphasizing technology and precision over sheer numbers.
4. Estimate the effect of successful defence trials on India’s military preparedness and international standing.
- Successful trials enhance military readiness by integrating advanced weaponry into forces.
- Boosts international credibility as a capable defence manufacturer and technology innovator.
- Strengthens deterrence posture against regional adversaries, contributing to stability.
- Enhances collaboration opportunities with other nations in defence technology.
- Signals commitment to self-sufficiency in defence, improving strategic autonomy.
