India advances low-cost precision glide bombs to extend strike range
India's DRDO is adding small turbine engines to indigenous glide bombs, aiming to double range and provide affordable stand-off strike options.
In response to the high cost of cruise missiles highlighted by recent conflicts, India is pursuing cheaper precision weapons. The DRDO intends to integrate a small turbine engine with the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, a glide bomb currently capable of 100 km range, with the powered variant projected to double that reach. Bharat Dynamics Limited manufactures the SAAW, designed to neutralise airfields and key infrastructure while reducing risk to aircraft.
Additional efforts include the Gaurav glide bomb series in 500 kg and 1,000 kg versions, each advertised for 100 km range, and the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation kit that extends standard dumb bombs to 30 km. Indian private sector JSR Dynamics is also working on a glide bomb with a claimed range of up to 120 km. The United States has moved forward with Boeing's JDAM-LR, a low-cost long-range precision bomb, underscoring a global shift toward affordable stand-off munitions.
Why it matters
Affordable precision weapons let air forces strike deep targets without costly cruise missiles.
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