DRDO, IAF successfully flight-tests smart anti-airfield weapon
08 Nov 2021
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday carried out two successful flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon. The tests were carried out using two different configurations based on satellite navigation and electro optical sensors.
Electro optical seeker based flight test of this class of bomb has been conducted for the first time in the country. The electro optic sensor has been developed indigenously. The weapon was launched by an IAF aircraft from Chandan ranges at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on 28 October 2021 and 3 November 2021.
Electro optical configuration of the system is equipped with Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker technology enhancing the precision strike capability of the weapon. In both the tests, the intended target was hit with high accuracy. The system is designed for a maximum range of 100 km. The newly adapted launcher ensured smooth release and ejection of the weapon. Advanced guidance and navigation algorithms software performed as per the mission requirements. The telemetry and tracking systems captured all mission events throughout the flight. All the mission objectives were achieved.
The smart anti-airfield weapon has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in coordination with other DRDO Laboratories, with extensive support from IAF. Quality and design certification agencies have contributed significantly in its development and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru has carried out weapon integration with the aircraft.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh complimented the synergistic efforts of DRDO, IAF and the teams associated with the mission. Congratulating the teams, secretary, Department of Defence R&D and chairman DRDO, G Satheesh Reddy said the performance and reliability of the weapon has been proved.