DRDO Unveils ‘Gaurav’ Glide Bomb for Su-30MKI: Enhancing IAF’s Stand-Off Strike Arsenal

On November 23, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officially unveiled the ‘Gaurav’ glide bomb, a 500 kg precision-guided munition designed specifically for integration with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI multi-role fighters. Announced during a high-profile event at the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, this indigenous weapon system represents a major leap in India’s stand-off strike capabilities, allowing pilots to engage targets from over 100 km away without entering heavily defended airspace. Successful trials at the Pokhran firing range earlier this month validated its performance, marking a pivotal step towards operational induction by mid-2026.

The Genesis and Development of ‘Gaurav’

The ‘Gaurav’ project, initiated in 2021 under DRDO’s Armament and Combat Engineering Cluster, was born out of lessons from the 2019 Balakot airstrike and the 2020-2023 Ladakh standoff. During Balakot, the IAF relied on Israeli Spice-2000 glide bombs for precision strikes, exposing a dependency on foreign suppliers amid geopolitical uncertainties. ‘Gaurav’—named after the Sanskrit word for ‘pride’—aims to indigenize this capability, with 85% of its components sourced domestically, including the wing kit, guidance electronics, and warhead.

Developed in collaboration with the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune, the bomb features a modular design that allows for quick swaps between high-explosive, penetration, and thermobaric warheads. Its aerodynamic wing kit, inspired by but improved upon the JDAM-ER, extends the release range from high altitudes, leveraging the Su-30MKI’s supercruise speeds for optimal glide paths. Anti-jam seekers, incorporating indigenous infrared and laser guidance, ensure resilience against electronic warfare threats from systems like China’s HQ-9 or Pakistan’s LY-80.

During Pokhran trials, a Su-30MKI from No. 24 Squadron dropped ‘Gaurav’ from 30,000 feet, achieving a circular error probable (CEP) of under 10 meters on simulated bunkers and radar sites. The tests also demonstrated compatibility with the IAF’s BrahMos-A integration protocols, paving the way for mixed loadouts on the fighter’s 12 hardpoints.

Strategic Advantages for the IAF

In an era of contested skies, stand-off weapons like ‘Gaurav’ enable the IAF to neutralize high-value targets—such as command centers, airfields, and missile batteries—while minimizing exposure to surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). The bomb’s low radar cross-section (RCS) during glide phase, achieved through composite materials and stealth shaping, makes it harder to intercept compared to powered cruise missiles. This is particularly vital along the LAC, where Chinese J-20 stealth fighters and S-400 SAMs pose layered threats.

For the Su-30MKI fleet—over 260 strong and the IAF’s backbone—’Gaurav’ adds versatility to its already formidable arsenal, including R-77 missiles and BrahMos. Pilots can release multiple bombs in a single pass, saturating defences with precision salvos. Future upgrades may include swarm coordination via data links, allowing one aircraft to designate targets for another’s munitions.

Explore our related coverage on IAF’s evolving air-to-ground capabilities: Astra’s Extended Reach: 250-km Variant and Su-57 Offers Signal IAF’s Next-Gen Air Superiority Push

Production Ramp-Up and Economic Impact

Munitions India Limited (MIL), a public sector undertaking under the MoD, has been tasked with scaling production at its facilities in Pune and Kanpur. An initial order for 2,000 units, valued at ₹1,000 crore, was placed immediately post-unveiling, with deliveries starting in Q3 2026. MIL aims for an annual output of 500-800 bombs, incorporating private sector partners like Adani Defence for seeker modules and Larsen & Toubro for precision machining.

This ramp-up not only bolsters self-reliance but also creates over 1,200 skilled jobs in the defence corridor. With export potential to friendly nations like Vietnam and the Philippines—facing similar Chinese threats—’Gaurav’ could contribute to India’s $5 billion defence export target by 2028. The bomb’s cost-effectiveness (one-fourth of Spice-2000) makes it attractive for budget-conscious air forces.

Challenges and Future Iterations

Despite its promise, ‘Gaurav’ faces hurdles: Integration with non-Russian platforms like Rafale requires additional certification, potentially delaying full fleet-wide rollout. GPS dependency could be vulnerable in jammed environments, though DRDO is exploring NavIC integration for redundancy. User trials with IAF squadrons will address these in 2026.

Looking ahead, DRDO envisions a 1,000 kg ‘Gaurav-Mk2’ with hypersonic glide boosters, extending range to 200 km, and a drone-launched variant for unmanned platforms. These developments align with the IAF’s roadmap for network-centric warfare, where munitions like ‘Gaurav’ serve as force multipliers.

For insights into DRDO’s broader precision strike innovations: DRDO’s ‘Jishnu’ Miniature Missile Debut: Drone-Delivered Precision Strikes Redefine Tactical Warfare

Geopolitical Ramifications

The unveiling sends a clear message to regional adversaries: India’s ability to conduct deep, precise strikes is no longer import-dependent. Amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, ‘Gaurav’ enhances deterrence, complementing exercises like Cope India and Malabar. As DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat stated at the event, “Gaurav embodies our pride in indigenous innovation—turning vulnerability into strength.”

Conclusion

The ‘Gaurav’ glide bomb is a testament to India’s maturing defence R&D ecosystem, bridging the gap between imported tech and homegrown prowess. As it enters service, the IAF’s strike envelope expands, ensuring dominance in contested domains. This milestone not only fortifies national security but also propels Atmanirbhar Bharat towards global leadership in aerospace munitions.

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• DRDO’s ‘Jishnu’ Miniature Missile Debut: Drone-Delivered Precision Strikes Redefine Tactical Warfare