Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’

Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’

Context:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’ from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• The test took place off the coast of Odisha and marks a significant achievement in India’s efforts to develop indigenous defence technologies.

Relevance:
GS-03 (Security)

Key Highlights:

Successful Test:

• DRDO carried out the maiden flight test of the LRGB GAURAV, which was launched from an Su-30 MK-I fighter jet.
• The bomb accurately hit its target, demonstrating the effectiveness of its design and guidance systems.
• The entire flight was monitored, and data was captured by Telemetry and Electro-optical tracking systems along the coastline, ensuring precise documentation of the test’s success.

Development and Collaboration:

• GAURAV has been indigenously designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
• The test was conducted with the participation of Development cum Production Partners, Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, highlighting the collaboration between DRDO and private industry in advancing defence technology.

Leadership Acknowledgement:

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh praised the efforts of DRDO, IAF, and industry partners, calling the successful test a major milestone in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities.
• Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also congratulated the team for their achievement.

About Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’:

• Weight and Capability: GAURAV is a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb capable of hitting targets at long distances.
• Guidance System: It employs a highly accurate hybrid navigation scheme that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) with GPS data to steer towards the target.
• Platform: The bomb is deployed from the Su-30 MK-I fighter jet, a key asset of the Indian Air Force.
• Indigenous Design: The bomb was entirely designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing.

Significance:

• The successful test of GAURAV marks a critical step in enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces, providing them with a reliable and precise long-range strike option.
• The development of GAURAV underscores India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• The introduction of the GAURAV glide bomb adds a significant strategic asset to India’s defence arsenal, enhancing the country’s deterrence and operational flexibility in various combat scenarios.