In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted release trials of the Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ from April 8 to 10. The trials were carried out from a Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft, marking a major milestone in developing precision-guided munitions for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The trials demonstrated the bomb’s capability to strike targets with pin-point accuracy at a range of nearly 100 kilometres. Multiple warhead configurations were tested during the release, with targets located on an island proving ground, the Defence Ministry said on Friday.
‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000-kg class glide bomb designed and developed entirely in India by DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. The system has been developed in collaboration with industry partners under the Development-cum-Production Partner (DCPP) model, with major contributions from Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge, and several Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Senior officials from DRDO and the Indian Air Force witnessed the trials, which are seen as a critical step toward the weapon’s eventual induction into the IAF. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) played key roles in certification and quality assurance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, and industry partners for the successful trials. “The development of the LRGB will significantly enhance the capabilities of our Armed Forces,” he said.
The @DRDO_India has successfully conducted the Release Trials of Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ during 8-10 April 2025 from the SU-30 MKI.
Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry for successful development trials of the Long Range Glide Bomb… pic.twitter.com/RHBtLHzsfg
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) April 11, 2025
DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat also lauded the team’s achievement, commending the coordinated efforts that led to the successful outcome.
Team BharatShakti
