The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted a test drop of the indigenous Khagantak-243 Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), marking a development in India’s precision-strike capabilities and defence self-reliance.
The Khagantak-243 has been developed by JSR Dynamics Pvt. Ltd., a Nagpur-based start-up, in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model. This reflects public-private participation in India’s defence manufacturing sector.
The Khagantak-243 is a 300 kg-class Long Range Glide Bomb equipped with a Mk-81 general-purpose blast-fragmentation warhead, containing approximately 125 kg of explosive fill.
It uses swivel-type glide wings and aft control surfaces to achieve a glide ratio of more than 12, enabling it to travel a considerable distance after being released from an aircraft.
The glide bomb can strike targets at a distance of approximately 144–180 km when released from an altitude of around 12 km at Mach 0.8. This stand-off capability allows fighter aircraft to engage targets while reducing their exposure to hostile air-defence systems.
The weapon was initially tested from the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft at Pokhran. It is planned for integration with other aircraft platforms, including the MiG-29K and Mirage-2000.
Unlike cruise missiles, glide bombs do not have an onboard propulsion system. After release, they use aerodynamic lift generated by their wings to extend their range and reach designated targets.
This makes glide bombs a cost-effective precision-strike weapon system compared with certain powered missile systems.
The Khagantak-243 is intended to enhance the IAF’s ability to conduct long-range precision strikes against targets such as enemy runways, hardened shelters and command centres, while reducing risks to aircraft and their crews.
The Khagantak series also includes heavier variants, such as the Khagantak-306 and Khagantak-225, which are designed for longer-range strike capabilities, according to the provided source.
The development of indigenous glide bombs can reduce India’s dependence on imported precision-guided munitions and strengthen the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing.
It also highlights the role of domestic defence start-ups, public-sector enterprises and collaborative development models in building indigenous military capabilities.
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