India develops new generation of low-cost precision strike weapons

Reference News Network reported on August 10 According to a report on the website of the "Times of India" on August 7, the current conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia region highlight the necessity of possessing a large number of precision strike weapons. The precision of these advanced weapon systems is directly reflected in their high costs. As precision-guided munitions can strike targets with high accuracy from long distances, militaries around the world are increasingly adopting such weapons.

The report states that India's use of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and SCALP cruise missile to strike targets within Pakistan is a typical example of this operational capability. However, this efficiency also comes with a high price tag.

Today, the ongoing cycles of conflict in regions like Ukraine and West Asia are no longer measured in days or weeks, but may last for months or even years. Therefore, the sustained use of such expensive weapons is becoming increasingly difficult to bear. One way to address this challenge is to use relatively inexpensive munitions such as glide bombs. Currently, some glide bombs have been equipped with small turbo engines to further extend their range.

India is adapting to this trend, with the country's Defence Research and Development Organisation planning to integrate small turbo engines into domestically produced glide bombs. One of the most notable initiatives is the installation of a small turbine on the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). SAAW is a precision-guided glide bomb, reportedly with a range of up to 100 kilometers. The modified version is expected to double the weapon's range. SAAW is manufactured by the Indian Power Company and is designed to destroy enemy airfields and critical infrastructure while minimizing the risks to aircraft and crew.

Complementing this is the development of the "Gaurav" series of glide-guided bombs, which come in 500 kg and 1000 kg variants, each reportedly with a range of up to 100 kilometers. Their effective range depends on the speed and altitude at the time of release. These weapons will enable the Indian Air Force to strike deep into enemy territory without exposing Indian aircraft to advanced air defense networks or incurring the high costs of cruise missiles.

Additionally, the development of the "Tactical Advanced Range Enhancement" system (TARA) aims to extend the range of conventional unguided bombs to 30 kilometers, transforming them into low-cost precision-guided weapons. Indian private enterprises have also joined this competition, with JSR Power Company developing a glide bomb reportedly with a range of up to 120 kilometers.

These advancements are crucial for addressing critical operational capability gaps. In the context of global militaries transforming in the same direction, India hopes to ensure its air force continues to be equipped with deployable, efficient, and survivable strike means by investing in low-cost precision strike weapons. (Translated by Yang Xuelai)