India has successfully tested a new long-range glide bomb, “Gaurav“, advancing its homegrown military strike capabilities and edging closer to inducting the weapon into frontline service.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said trials of the 1,000-kg class bomb — named ‘Gaurav’ — were conducted April 8–10 from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet. The weapon hit its designated land-based island target with near 100-kilometer range and high accuracy, meeting all mission parameters.
The weapon was tested in multiple warhead configurations and integrated onto various stations of the aircraft, according to DRDO officials. The trials mark a key milestone in the bomb’s path toward induction into the Indian Air Force.
“Gaurav” was jointly developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment, and the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur. The trials were observed and reviewed by senior officials from both DRDO and the Indian Air Force.
The project has been supported by a coalition of private and public sector players, including Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and several medium and small enterprises. Certification and quality oversight were handled by the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance.
India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh called the trials a success and said the new capability would “further enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces to a great extent.”
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat also congratulated the teams, calling it a step forward in the country’s efforts to strengthen its precision strike arsenal.
The successful test signals India’s growing ability to produce high-end military hardware domestically, part of a broader push for defense self-reliance. Once inducted, “Gaurav” would give the Indian Air Force a standoff weapon capable of hitting high-value targets from a safe distance — a strategic edge in any future conflict.
DRDO successfully conducted release trials of the 1000-kg class Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from Su-30 MKI between Apr 8-10, 2025. Achieving 100 km range with pinpoint accuracy, the indigenously developed weapon marks a major boost for #IAF’s strike capability.
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) April 11, 2025
Read… pic.twitter.com/H6aL9Huw0X
