IAF Successfully Tests Indigenous Khagantak-243 Glide Bomb

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Key takeaways

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested the indigenous Khagantak-243 glide bomb from a Su-30MKI fighter jet at Pokhran.
The 300 kg class weapon can strike targets 144 km to 180 km away when released from an altitude of 12 km at Mach 0.8.
It carries a Mk-81 warhead with 125 kg of explosives and achieves an aerodynamic glide ratio above 12.
The weapon was created under the DcPP model through collaboration between JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the test drop of the indigenous Khagantak-243 Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB).
This successful test marks a major step forward for precision strike capabilities and self-reliance in India's defence sector.

A Nagpur-based start-up named JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd developed this weapon together with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
The project followed the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) model, which shows the growing strength of public-private partnerships in defence manufacturing.

The Khagantak-243 belongs to the 300 kg class of glide weapons. It carries a Mk-81 blast fragmentation warhead with about 125 kg of explosive material.
It uses special swivel glide wings and rear control surfaces to reach an aerodynamic glide ratio of more than 12.
When an aircraft drops this bomb from an altitude of 12 km at Mach 0.8, it can hit targets between 144 km and 180 km away. This standoff range keeps fighter pilots safe from hostile air defence systems.

The Air Force carried out initial testing from a Su-30MKI fighter jet at the Pokhran firing range.
Authorities plan to integrate this glide bomb onto other key fighter jets, including the MiG-29K and the Mirage-2000.
Unlike cruise missiles, glide bombs carry no engine or propulsion system. They rely entirely on wing-generated aerodynamic lift to glide toward targets, making them highly economical precision weapons.

The Khagantak-243 helps the IAF strike critical targets like enemy runways, hardened bunkers, and command centers with high accuracy while keeping aircraft out of danger.
The development team is also designing heavier variants, including the Khagantak-306 and Khagantak-225, for extended strike missions.
Inducting indigenous glide bombs reduces reliance on foreign munitions and directly strengthens India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in defence equipment.