LONG-RANGE GLIDE BOMB ‘GAURAV’

GS 3 – Defense

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted release trials for the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav.’ These trials, held from April 8 to 10, 2025, utilized the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet, representing a significant milestone in strengthening India’s aerial precision and defence strategy.

Overview of ‘Gaurav’

• The Gaurav is a precision-guided glide bomb with an operational range spanning 30 km to 150 km.
• It is engineered to strike targets beyond the effective range of conventional anti-aircraft systems.
• With a weight of approximately 1,000 kg, the bomb measures four meters in length and has a wingspan of 3.4 meters.
• Trials have confirmed its high precision, achieving a demonstrated range of nearly 100 km.

Development and Design Process

• The Gaurav was designed and developed by DRDO in partnership with key institutions, including the Armament Research and Development Establishment, Research Centre Imarat, and Integrated Test Range.
• The development incorporated various warhead configurations and operational setups, ensuring the bomb’s adaptability for diverse mission requirements.

Technical Features

• The Gaurav employs a hybrid navigation system combining inertial navigation with satellite guidance, enabling exceptional targeting accuracy.
• Its design integrates sophisticated digital control systems, enhancing operational reliability and precision during deployment.

Partnerships and Manufacturing

• The production of Gaurav involved collaboration with private sector partners, including Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, Bharat Forge, and several Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• These partnerships underscore India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence production under initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat.