Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from the Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, marking a major step towards induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF). This test is a part of India’s continuous efforts to develop smart, indigenous weapon systems under Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative in defence manufacturing.
Key Highlights of Trials
Conducted with multiple warhead configurations and land targets on an island.
Demonstrated a range of nearly 100 km with pin-point precision.
Integrated on multiple stations of the Su-30 MKI aircraft.
Induction-ready weapon system for precision land attack.
What is LRGB ‘Gaurav’?
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) |
| Category | Precision-guided, air-launched bomb |
| Weight | ~1,000 kg (winged version) |
| Range | 30 km to 150 km |
| Length | 4 metres |
| Diameter | 0.6 metres |
| Wingspan | 3.4 metres |
| Guidance System | Inertial navigation + satellite guidance + digital control |
| Purpose | Precision strike on land targets from long distances |
Who Developed It?
Developed indigenously by:
- Research Centre Imarat (RCI) – Hyderabad
- Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) – Pune
- Integrated Test Range (ITR) – Chandipur, Odisha
Supported by:
- Adani Defence Systems & Technologies
- Bharat Forge
- Several MSMEs under Development-cum-Production Partnership
Quality & Certification:
- Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC)
- Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA)
Gaurav vs Gautham – Two DRDO Glide Bombs
| Feature | Gaurav | Gautham |
| Type | Winged glide bomb | Non-winged glide bomb |
| Weight | ~1,000 kg | ~550 kg |
| Length | 4 metres | 4 metres |
| Diameter | 0.6 metre | 0.6 metre |
| Wingspan | 3.4 metres | No wings |
| Range | Up to 150 km | Shorter than Gaurav |
| Use | Precision land strike | Shorter range variant |
Significance?
- Enhances IAF’s air-to-ground precision strike capability.
- Boosts stand-off attack range for fighter aircraft like Su-30 MKI.
- Reduces pilot risk as bomb can be released from far distances.
- Shows self-reliance in advanced air-launched weapon systems.