drdo-s-gaurav-glide-bomb-from-su-30-mki-test-successful

In a major stride towards self-reliance in defence technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out the release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’.

 

The trials were held between April 8 and 10, 2025, from the Indian Air Force’s frontline Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

 

The weapon was tested in multiple configurations across several stations and successfully demonstrated a range of nearly 100 kilometres, achieving pin-point accuracy on a designated land target situated on an island.

 

These trials have marked a significant step forward in the Indian Armed Forces’ efforts to strengthen their precision-strike capabilities through indigenous technology.

 

‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000 kg class glide bomb, fully designed and developed in India. The project is a collaborative effort involving key DRDO facilities – the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur.

 

The success of the trials was witnessed and reviewed by senior officials from the DRDO and the Indian Air Force.

 

The trials also benefitted from the contribution of the Development-cum-Production Partners, including Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

 

In addition to the core development teams, the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) played crucial roles in ensuring that the system met all necessary quality and certification requirements.

 

Following the successful tests, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to the DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and industry partners for the achievement.

 

He stated that the development and integration of the Gaurav LRGB would significantly boost the operational capabilities of India’s armed forces.

 

Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the team for the successful demonstration. He remarked that this was yet another example of India’s growing ability to design, develop and manufacture advanced weaponry within the country.