Mains (GS III) – Science and Technology Developments.
Why in News?
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the release trials of the long-range glide bomb "Gaurav" from the Sukhoi aircraft.
Gaurav is a long-range glide bomb designed for precision strikes on land targets from a safe distance, specifically beyond the reach of enemy air defenses.
Developed by –DRDO in partnership with the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Research Centre Imarat, and the Integrated Test Range.
Features -Range - Capable of operating between 30 km and 150 km, with successful demonstrations nearing 100 km.
Weight - The winged variant, Gaurav, has a mass of 1,000 kg, while the non-winged version, Gautham, weighs 550 kg.
Navigation - It employs an Inertial Navigation System (INS) complemented by satellite guidance and digital control mechanisms.
Importance for India’s Defence
This system significantly boosts the Indian Air Force's (IAF) ability to conduct stand-off strikes.
It minimizes the exposure of fighter aircraft to enemy air defenses, thereby enhancing operational safety.
Furthermore, it reinforces India's capabilities in developing indigenous smart munitions and supports precision targeting, which is crucial in contemporary warfare.
