Indian Air Force completes successful test of indigenous Khagantak-243 glide bomb

The Indian Air Force reported that its recent drop test of the Khagantak-243 glide bomb achieved every planned goal, marking a notable step for indigenous stand-off strike capabilities. The 300-kg class bomb, equipped with a Mk 81 blast-fragmentation warhead, can glide more than 140 km after release from a fighter such as the Su-30MKI. Development was a partnership between Bharat Electronics Limited, which supplied electronics and guidance, and JSR Dynamics, responsible for the bomb’s body and control systems.

The IAF has already placed an order with BEL for an unspecified quantity, though the contract value was not disclosed. Officials highlighted the achievement as evidence of the Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India defence initiatives, and noted the modular design allows different warhead and guidance options for future missions.