India has developed a glide weapon system that can convert an unguided warhead into a precision-guided weapon, marking its entry into a select group of nations with advanced stand-off strike capabilities. The system, named Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation, recently completed its maiden flight trial off the coast of Odisha in collaboration with the Indian Air Force.

The modular kit is designed to enhance the range, accuracy and lethality of low-cost bombs by enabling them to glide toward ground targets after being released from an aircraft. By using aerodynamic lift and onboard guidance mechanisms, the weapon can travel significantly farther than a conventional free-fall bomb while improving strike precision.

Developed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad along with other laboratories, the system is described as India’s first indigenous glide weapon of its kind built with advanced low-cost technologies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and senior defence officials hailed the successful test as a major boost to India’s domestic defence capabilities.

Several countries, including the United States, Russia, Israel, Turkey, France, South Korea and South Africa, have developed similar technologies that convert conventional bombs into long-range precision weapons using guidance kits and aerodynamic enhancements.