“Strike from afar, hit with precision!”
That’s not just a catchy line — it’s the whole idea behind India’s new Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) called Gaurav.
Made by DRDO, this smart bomb gives the Indian Air Force the power to destroy enemy targets like airfields, bunkers, and military bases — all without flying into enemy airspace.
In this blog, you’ll find simple and clear answers to:
✅ What is Gaurav?
✅ How does it work?
✅ Why is it such a big deal for India?
भारत ने रक्षा क्षेत्र में हासिल की एक और बड़ी उपलब्धि,
— BJP Kisan Morcha (@bjpkm4kisan) April 17, 2025
लंबी दूरी के ग्लाइड बम 'गौरव' का सफल परीक्षण...🛫💥#AtmanirbharBharat #ModiHaiToMumkinHai pic.twitter.com/Njb8yO2dcC
What is the Gaurav Glide Bomb?
Gaurav is a smart bomb made for long-distance attacks. Once released from a fighter jet, it doesn’t fall straight down like old-school bombs — it glides through the air for many kilometres before hitting its target.
This gives Indian pilots a big advantage:
They can hit targets deep inside enemy land, while staying safe and far away from danger.
Quick Facts:
✅ Category: Long-Range Glide Bomb
✅ Type: Air-to-Ground Precision Weapon
✅ Made by: DRDO, India
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
Who Developed It?
Gaurav is fully designed and developed in India by some of the country’s top defence labs:
Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad — built the navigation and guidance systems.
Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune — designed the warhead.
Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur — handled testing and trials.
Some private Indian companies also helped:
This teamwork between DRDO and Indian industry shows how strong India’s defence tech has become.
Key Features of Gaurav LRGB
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Warhead Weight | 1,000 kg |
| Operational Range | 30-150km (Trail hit at-100 km) |
| Launch Platform | Su-30 MKI |
| Guidance System | INS + GPS?NavIC + Laser Homing |
| Accuracy | CEP (Circular Error) in meters |
| Warhead Options | Fragmentation/Penetration-Blast |
| Navigation | Hybrid:Intertial + Satellite |
This is not a ‘dumb’ bomb. Gaurav uses smart systems to ensure precision, even if GPS signals are jammed or disrupted.
Technology Behind Gaurav
The power of Gaurav lies in its advanced technology, not just the size of its warhead.
1️⃣ Hybrid Navigation System:
INS (Inertial Navigation System) keeps track of the bomb’s position.
NavIC (India’s satellite navigation) and GAGAN help guide it accurately from the sky.
Laser Homing locks onto the target in the final seconds for a perfect hit.
2️⃣ Modular Warhead:
The warhead can be swapped depending on the mission:
Blow up bunkers,
Destroy airfields,
Take out buildings or equipment.
3️⃣ Smart Flight Control:
Once dropped, Gaurav adjusts its path mid-air using moving wings and control surfaces, so it can correct its route and hit the target even if conditions change.
Test Trials & Performance
In April 2025, the Indian Air Force tested Gaurav over the Bay of Bengal using the Su-30 MKI.
Here’s what the tests proved:
✅ Multiple successful hits between April 8–10.
✅ Targets were hit with extreme accuracy (within metres).
✅ Land targets, like mock enemy bases, were fully destroyed.
💡 Result: Cleared for induction into the Indian Air Force!
Want to see it in action? Watch the official DRDO trial footage:
Why is Gaurav Strategically Important?
Gaurav isn’t just another bomb in the arsenal. Here’s why it matters:
Stand-Off Capability: Fighter jets no longer need to enter enemy airspace, reducing exposure to enemy air defences.
Reduced Risk to Pilots: More safety, more flexibility.
Indigenous Defence Power: Designed and built in India — reducing dependency on imports.
Strategic Deterrence: Potential enemies know: even their deep defences are not safe.
In simple terms: Gaurav extends India’s airstrike reach while keeping its pilots out of harm’s way.
How Gaurav Compares to Global Glide Bombs
| countries | Glide Bomb | Max Range | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇳 India | Gaurav LRGB | 150 km | Very High (Laser Guided) |
| 🇺🇸 USA | JDAM | ~28 km (Glide) | High (GPS + Laser) |
| 🇨🇳 China | LS-6 | 60–100 km | Moderate |
| 🇷🇺 Russia | KAB Series | ~40 km | Varies |
Result: Gaurav holds its own, often beating global systems in range while matching them in accuracy — especially thanks to its hybrid laser and satellite guidance.
What’s Next for Gaurav?
The story doesn’t stop here. DRDO is already planning:
Smaller variants: 250 kg & 500 kg warheads for lighter aircraft.
Expanded compatibility: Beyond Su-30MKI — to Mirage, Tejas, and possibly future drones.
AI-Enhanced Targeting: Smarter mid-flight corrections.
Swarm Modes & Loitering Variants: Allowing coordinated, multi-bomb strikes and loitering over target zones for real-time attack decisions.
In short: the Gaurav programme isn’t just a weapon — it’s a foundation for an entire family of precision-guided bombs.
Gaurav Glide Bomb — Common Questions
Q. Can Gaurav hit moving targets?
A. Yes, especially slow-moving or still targets, using its laser guidance.
Q. Is Gaurav nuclear capable?
A. No, it’s designed for regular (conventional) strikes.
Q. Can Tejas jets carry Gaurav?
A. Not yet, but DRDO is working to make that possible.
Q. Is Gaurav ready for production?
A. Yes, after successful April 2025 tests, the bomb is set for production and use.
Final Thoughts: Gaurav — A Moment of Pride
The Gaurav Glide Bomb is more than just a new weapon. It’s proof that India can build world-class defence tech at home.
It gives the Indian Air Force the power to strike deep and strike smart — all while keeping pilots safe. This is the future of warfare: precision, distance, and safety.
🛡️ Make in India is no longer a dream — it’s flying high and hitting hard.
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