Beyond BrahMos: India builds next generation of cheap precision weapons
Modern conflicts necessitate deep stocks of precision weapons, driving demand for affordable solutions. India is developing advanced glide bombs, including powered versions of the SAAW weapon. These weapons will allow strikes deep inside hostile territory without significant risk. Private industry and government organizations are contributing to this capability development. This strategic…
India is developing a new generation of cheap precision weapons to address the rising costs of sophisticated systems amid ongoing conflicts. The country's adoption of BrahMos and SCALP cruise missiles highlights their effectiveness, but the high price tag makes sustained use costly. To mitigate this, India is turning to less expensive glide bombs, some of which now feature small turbine engines to extend their range.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on integrating a turbine engine into the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), a 100-kilometer range glide bomb. The SAAW's powered variant aims to double its range. India is also developing the Gaurav family of glide bombs, including 500 kg and 1,000 kg variants with a 100-kilometer range.
The Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) kit will extend the range of conventional dumb bombs to 30 kilometers, turning them into affordable precision weapons. JSR Dynamics, a private Indian company, is developing a glide bomb with a range of up to 120 kilometers. While the United States has already produced the Joint Direct Attack Munition-Long Range (JDAM-LR) for its Navy, India's efforts in this area mirror a global trend towards more cost-effective precision weaponry.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
