GAURAV

The Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) 'GAURAV' was successfully tested by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from an Indian Air Force Su-30 MK-I aircraft off the coast of Odisha. This indigenous weapon system marks a significant advancement in India's precision-strike capabilities.

Key Features of GAURAV:

• Air-Launched Glide Bomb: Weighing 1,000 kg, GAURAV is an air-launched weapon that can hit targets at long distances after being released from a fighter aircraft.
• Navigation Systems: The bomb uses a highly accurate hybrid navigation system combining:
• Indian Navigation System (INS).
• Global Positioning System (GPS) for precision targeting.
• Indigenous Development: Designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, part of DRDO.

Test and Performance:

• The recent test, conducted from a Su-30 MK-I platform, demonstrated pinpoint accuracy, with tracking and telemetry systems capturing the bomb's precise trajectory and impact.

Significance:

• GAURAV enhances the IAF's long-range strike capabilities, allowing for precise, strategic strikes without needing to engage the target at close range.
• It strengthens India's defense self-reliance by being indigenously developed and reducing dependence on foreign systems for precision-guided munitions.