The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named GAURAV. The test was carried out from a Su-30 MK-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha.

GAURAV, a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb, is capable of engaging targets at long distances with high precision. It utilizes a sophisticated hybrid navigation scheme, integrating Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS data to accurately steer towards its target.

This advanced weapon system has been indigenously designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.

The flight test showcased GAURAV’s capability to hit its target with pinpoint accuracy, with all flight data being meticulously recorded by telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems stationed along the coastline by the Integrated Test Range.

The test was monitored by senior DRDO scientists, with significant participation from Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, the development and production partners.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of DRDO, IAF, and the industry partners for this successful test, marking it as a crucial step forward in enhancing India’s indigenous defence capabilities.

The Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, also extended his congratulations to the DRDO team for their achievement in advancing India’s defence technology landscape.