Imphal: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’ from an Su-30 MK-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The test took place off the coast of Odisha.
The GAURAV glide bomb, weighing 1,000 kg, is capable of striking targets at long distances. Once launched, it steers toward its target using a highly accurate hybrid navigation system that combines INS and GPS data. The bomb was indigenously designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.
During the test, GAURAV successfully hit a target on Long Wheeler’s Island with pinpoint accuracy. The test flight’s complete data was captured by telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems deployed by the Integrated Test Range along the coastline. The flight was closely monitored by senior DRDO scientists, with participation from Adani Defence and Bharat Forge, the Development cum Production Partners.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, the IAF, and industry partners for the successful test, calling it a significant milestone in India’s efforts to develop indigenous defense technologies and enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces.
Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the entire team on the successful flight test of GAURAV, according to a press note from DPR (Def) New Delhi.
