DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon: Difference between revisions

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{{good article}}
{{good article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2022}}
{{infobox weapon
{{infobox weapon
| name = DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
| name = DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
| image =
| image =  
| caption =  
| caption =  
| type = [[Precision-guided munition|Precision-guided]] [[Anti-runway penetration bomb|Anti-Airfield]] [[glide bomb]]
| type = [[Precision-guided munition|Precision-guided]] [[Anti-runway penetration bomb|Anti-Airfield]] [[glide bomb]]
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| part_length = <!-- {{convert|123|cm|in|abbr=on}} -->
| part_length = <!-- {{convert|123|cm|in|abbr=on}} -->
| crew =  
| crew =  
| filling = [[High explosives]], Penetration Cum Blast (PCB).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warhead|first=Technologies,DRDO|title=Warhead Technology|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| filling = [[High explosives]], Penetration Cum Blast (PCB).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warhead|first=Technologies,DRDO|title=Warhead Technology|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104104342/https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2021 }}</ref>
| filling_weight = 80Kg<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warhead|first=Technologies,DRDO|title=Warhead Technology|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| filling_weight = 80 kg<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warhead|first=Technologies,DRDO|title=Warhead Technology|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104104342/https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf |archive-date=4 November 2021 }}</ref>
| detonation =  
| detonation =  
| yield = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| yield = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
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* [[Su-30MKI]]
* [[Su-30MKI]]
* [[BAE Systems Hawk#Hawk 132|Hawk-i]]
* [[BAE Systems Hawk#Hawk 132|Hawk-i]]
*[[HAL Tejas]](planned)
*[[HAL Tejas]] (planned)
*[[HAL CATS Warrior]](planned)<ref>{{cite news |url= https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1691176 | title =Successful Flight Test of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon | work= PIB India | date = 22 January 2021 | access-date= 29 July 2021 | url-status = live}}</ref>
*[[HAL CATS Warrior]] (planned)<ref>{{cite news |url= https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1691176 | title =Successful Flight Test of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon | work= PIB India | date = 22 January 2021 | access-date= 29 July 2021 | url-status = live}}</ref>
| transport =  
| transport =  
| is_UK = yes
| is_UK = yes
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== Description ==
== Description ==
The SAAW has been developed by the [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI), and other DRDO laboratories in collaboration with the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF).<ref name="successful test flight of SAAW">{{Cite news |url=https://www.janes.com/article/75440/india-conducts-successful-test-flight-of-saaw-glide-bomb |title=India conducts successful test flight of SAAW glide bomb |last=Dominguez  |first=Gabriel  |access-date=4 August 2018 |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |date=5 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="press release" /> It is a lightweight high precision guided bomb designed to destroy ground targets, such as [[runway]]s, [[bunker]]s, [[Hangar|aircraft hangars]] and other [[Reinforced concrete|reinforced structures]].<ref name="The New Indian Express"/><ref name="DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range">{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-can-target-enemy-airfields-within-100-km-range/articleshow/56156903.cms |title=DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within {{convert|100|km}} range |publisher=The Economic Times |date=24 December 2016 |access-date=26 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226065005/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-can-target-enemy-airfields-within-100-km-range/articleshow/56156903.cms |archive-date=26 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon">{{Cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/drdo-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-indian-air-force-aircraft-successfully-tests/1/842311.html |title=DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range |publisher=India Today |date=24 December 2016 |access-date=26 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225161439/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/drdo-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-indian-air-force-aircraft-successfully-tests/1/842311.html |archive-date=25 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> Weighing {{convert|120|kg|lb|abbr=on}}<ref name="DRDO successfully flight tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon">{{Cite press release  |title=DRDO successfully flight tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon  |publisher=Press Information Bureau  |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155817  |access-date=28 December 2016  |url-status=live  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227234037/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155817  |archive-date=27 December 2016  |df=dmy-all  }}</ref> it has deep penetration capabilities,<ref name="The New Indian Express">{{Cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/dec/25/smart-anti-airfield-weapon-flight-tested-1552892.html |title=Smart anti-airfield weapon flight tested |publisher=The New Indian Express |date=25 December 2016 |access-date=25 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226054644/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/dec/25/smart-anti-airfield-weapon-flight-tested-1552892.html |archive-date=26 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested">{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jodhpur/Indias-first-fully-indigenized-anti-airfield-weapon-tested/articleshow/52393362.cms |title=India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested |work=The Times of India |date=23 May 2016 |access-date=25 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226151544/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jodhpur/Indias-first-fully-indigenized-anti-airfield-weapon-tested/articleshow/52393362.cms |archive-date=26 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> carries a [[high explosive]] [[warhead]]<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" /> and has a standoff range of {{convert|100|km}}, which enables users to strike targets, such as enemy [[Military air base|airfield]]s, at a safe distance without putting pilots and aircraft in jeopardy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Warhead|first=Technologies,DRDO|title=Warhead Technology|url=https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/technology-focus-documrnt/TF_Feb_2017_WEB.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range"/><ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon"/> It is India's first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon, designed and developed wholly by the DRDO.<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" /><ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon in Odisha"/>
The SAAW has been developed by the [[Research Centre Imarat]] (RCI), and other DRDO laboratories in collaboration with the [[Indian Air Force]]. It is a lightweight, high precision guided bomb designed to destroy ground targets, such as [[runway]]s, [[bunker]]s, [[Hangar|aircraft hangars]] and other [[Reinforced concrete|reinforced structures]]. Weighing {{convert|125|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, it has deep penetration capabilities, and carries a [[high explosive]] [[warhead]] and has a standoff range of {{convert|100|km}}, which enables users to strike targets, such as enemy [[Military air base|airfield]]s, at a safe distance without putting pilots and aircraft in jeopardy. It is India's first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon, designed and developed wholly by the DRDO.


According to DRDO chief [[S. Christopher]], unlike normal bombs in the Indian inventory which are sensitive to environmental conditions and therefore may not precisely hit the intended target, the precision-guided SAAW has higher precision and can precisely hit the intended target.<ref name="SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles" /> According to him, "''this is a sort of guided bomb and it will be much much cheaper than a missile or rocket, the reason being that it is not having a propulsion, it is making use of the aircraft's propulsion. It can go and land in a place we want.''"<ref name="SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles" />
According to DRDO chief [[S. Christopher]], unlike normal bombs in the Indian inventory which are sensitive to environmental conditions and therefore may not precisely hit the intended target, the precision-guided SAAW has higher precision and can precisely hit the intended target.<ref name="SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles" /> According to him, "This is a sort of guided bomb and it will be much much cheaper than a missile or rocket, the reason being that it is not having a propulsion, it is making use of the aircraft's propulsion. It can go and land in a place we want."
The SAAW can currently be launched from the [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]] and [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]] aircraft. The Su-30MKI is capable of carrying 20-32 SAAW by using indigenous four-round Smart Quad Rack system under its pylon.<ref name="The New Indian Express"/><ref>{{Cite web|title=Military Watch Magazine|url=https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/new-bomb-racks-for-india-s-su-30mki-to-provide-lethal-strike-capabilit|access-date=2021-11-04|website=militarywatchmagazine.com}}</ref> There are plans to integrate the weapon with the [[Dassault Rafale]] and [[HAL Tejas|HAL Tejas MK1A]] when it is inducted into the Indian Air Force.<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" />
 
The SAAW can currently be launched from the [[SEPECAT Jaguar|Jaguar]] and [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI|Su-30MKI]] aircraft. The Su-30MKI is capable of carrying 20-32 SAAW by using indigenous four-round Smart Quad Rack system under its pylon. There are plans to integrate the weapon with the [[Dassault Rafale]] and [[HAL Tejas|HAL Tejas MK1A]] when it is inducted into the Indian Air Force.


== Development and trials ==
== Development and trials ==
In September 2013, the SAAW project was sanctioned by the Indian Government for {{INRConvert|56.58|c|lk=on}}.<ref name="DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range"/><ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon"/> The project finds mention in a written note submitted by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) to the [[Standing Committee on Defence (India)|Standing Committee on Defence]], in a report on 'Demands for Grants' to be provided in 2014–15 to the [[Ordnance Factories Board]] and the DRDO. It is also listed in the list of current programmes of the Mission and Combat System R&D Center (MCSRDC) of [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL).<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" />
In September 2013, the SAAW project was sanctioned by the Indian Government for {{INRConvert|56.58|c|lk=on}}.<ref name="DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range">{{Cite news |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-can-target-enemy-airfields-within-100-km-range/articleshow/56156903.cms |title=DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within {{convert|100|km}} range |publisher=The Economic Times |date=24 December 2016 |access-date=26 December 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226065005/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-can-target-enemy-airfields-within-100-km-range/articleshow/56156903.cms |archive-date=26 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon">{{Cite news |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/drdo-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-indian-air-force-aircraft-successfully-tests/1/842311.html |title=DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range |publisher=India Today |date=24 December 2016 |access-date=26 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225161439/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/drdo-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-indian-air-force-aircraft-successfully-tests/1/842311.html |archive-date=25 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The project finds mention in a written note submitted by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) to the [[Standing Committee on Defence (India)|Standing Committee on Defence]], in a report on 'Demands for Grants' to be provided in 2014–15 to the [[Ordnance Factories Board]] and the DRDO. It is also listed in the list of current programmes of the Mission and Combat System R&D Center (MCSRDC) of [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL).<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested">{{Cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jodhpur/Indias-first-fully-indigenized-anti-airfield-weapon-tested/articleshow/52393362.cms |title=India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested |work=The Times of India |date=23 May 2016 |access-date=25 December 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226151544/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jodhpur/Indias-first-fully-indigenized-anti-airfield-weapon-tested/articleshow/52393362.cms |archive-date=26 December 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref>


Trials for the wing functioning of the weapon were successfully conducted in late 2015 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility located at the [[Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory]] (TBRL), Ramgarh, [[Haryana]].<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" />
Trials for the wing functioning of the weapon were successfully conducted in late 2015 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility located at the [[Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory]] (TBRL), Ramgarh, [[Haryana]].<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" />


According to plans, the weapon was to be tested by the beginning of May 2016 in [[Jaisalmer]]. However, owing to technical reasons, the test had to be aborted twice.<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" /> The weapon was finally tested at the end of the first week of May 2016 by the [[Indian Air Force Test Pilot School|Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment]] (ASTE) of the IAF from a Jaguar DARIN II aircraft in [[Bengaluru]], and the test was successful.<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-system/articleshow/56158752.cms |title=India successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon system |access-date=5 August 2018 |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India  |date=24 December 2016}}</ref>
According to plans, the weapon was to be tested by the beginning of May 2016 in [[Jaisalmer]]. However, owing to technical reasons, the test had to be aborted twice.<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested" /> The weapon was finally tested at the end of the first week of May 2016 by the [[Indian Air Force Test Pilot School|Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment]] (ASTE) of the IAF from a Jaguar DARIN II aircraft in [[Bengaluru]], and the test was successful.<ref name="India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested"/><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-system/articleshow/56158752.cms |title=India successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon system |access-date=5 August 2018 |work=The Times of India |agency=Press Trust of India  |date=24 December 2022}}</ref>


A second test of the weapon was successfully conducted on 24 December 2016 by the DRDO from a Su-30MKI aircraft at the [[Abdul Kalam Island|Integrated Test Range]] (ITR) at [[Chandipur, Odisha]]. It included captive flight and release tests which were tracked by radar and telemetry ground stations at the ITR throughout the flight duration.<ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon in Odisha">{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-in-odisha/485284/|title=DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon in Odisha|date=24 December 2016|newspaper=The Financial Express|access-date=25 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226055336/http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-in-odisha/485284/|archive-date=26 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=DRDO successfully flight tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon  |date=24 December 2016 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155817 |access-date=5 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/66560/india-successfully-tests-its-locally-developed-smart-anti-airfield-weapon|title=India successfully tests its locally developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon|website=[[IHS Jane's 360]]|access-date=28 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229100438/http://www.janes.com/article/66560/india-successfully-tests-its-locally-developed-smart-anti-airfield-weapon|archive-date=29 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
A second test of the weapon was successfully conducted on 24 December 2016 by the DRDO from a Su-30MKI aircraft at the [[Abdul Kalam Island|Integrated Test Range]] (ITR) at [[Chandipur, Odisha]]. It included captive flight and release tests which were tracked by radar and telemetry ground stations at the ITR throughout the flight duration.<ref name="DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon in Odisha">{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-in-odisha/485284/|title=DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon in Odisha|date=24 December 2016|newspaper=The Financial Express|access-date=25 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226055336/http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-tests-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-in-odisha/485284/|archive-date=26 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |title=DRDO successfully flight tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon  |date=24 December 2016 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=155817 |access-date=5 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/66560/india-successfully-tests-its-locally-developed-smart-anti-airfield-weapon|title=India successfully tests its locally developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon|website=[[IHS Jane's 360]]|access-date=28 December 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229100438/http://www.janes.com/article/66560/india-successfully-tests-its-locally-developed-smart-anti-airfield-weapon|archive-date=29 December 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


On 3 November 2017, a series of three tests were successfully conducted from an Indian Air Force aircraft at the ITR at Chandipur, Odisha.<ref name="press release">{{Cite press release |title=Successful Flight Test of Guided Bombs |date=3 November 2017 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=173197 |access-date=2 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="SAAW to be inducted soon">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-drdo-successfully-test-indigenous-glide-bomb-to-be-inducted-soon/story-yuYbl1oRNfdVFquo2qAlZK.html |title=IAF, DRDO successfully test indigenous 'glide' bomb, to be inducted soon |access-date=2 August 2018 |work=The Hindustan Times |agency=Press Trust of India |date=3 November 2018}}</ref> The bomb, upon release from the aircraft, was guided by an on-board precision navigation system and reached the targets at a range of more than 70 kilometers with high accuracy.<ref name="SAAW to be inducted soon" /><ref name="SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles">{{Cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/saaw-glide-bomb-more-precise-than-missiles-says-drdo-chief-after-test-117110500424_1.html |title=SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles, says DRDO chief after test |access-date=2 August 2018 |work=Business Standard |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=5 November 2017}}</ref><ref name="Glide Bomb SAAW">{{Cite news |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/glide-bomb-saaw-guided-weapons-success-proof-of-drdo-prowess-in-developing-indigenous-capability/978209/ |title=Glide Bomb SAAW: Guided weapon's success proof of DRDO prowess in developing indigenous capability |last=Siddiqui  |first=Huma  |access-date=2 August 2018 |work=The Financial Express |date=18 December 2017}}</ref> According to a statement by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|MoD]], the tests were conducted with different release conditions and ranges.<ref name="press release" /> The statement also cited DRDO chief S. Christopher as saying that the weapon will soon be inducted into service.<ref name="press release" />
On 3 November 2017, a series of three tests were successfully conducted from an Indian Air Force aircraft at the ITR at Chandipur, Odisha.<ref name="press release">{{Cite press release |title=Successful Flight Test of Guided Bombs |date=3 November 2017 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=173197 |access-date=2 August 2022}}</ref><ref name="SAAW to be inducted soon">{{Cite news |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iaf-drdo-successfully-test-indigenous-glide-bomb-to-be-inducted-soon/story-yuYbl1oRNfdVFquo2qAlZK.html |title=IAF, DRDO successfully test indigenous 'glide' bomb, to be inducted soon |access-date=2 August 2018 |work=The Hindustan Times |agency=Press Trust of India |date=3 November 2022}}</ref> The bomb, upon release from the aircraft, was guided by an on-board precision navigation system and reached the targets at a range of more than 70 kilometers with high accuracy.<ref name="SAAW to be inducted soon" /><ref name="SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles">{{Cite news |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/saaw-glide-bomb-more-precise-than-missiles-says-drdo-chief-after-test-117110500424_1.html |title=SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles, says DRDO chief after test |access-date=2 August 2018 |work=Business Standard |agency=Indo-Asian News Service |date=5 November 2022}}</ref><ref name="Glide Bomb SAAW">{{Cite news |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/glide-bomb-saaw-guided-weapons-success-proof-of-drdo-prowess-in-developing-indigenous-capability/978209/ |title=Glide Bomb SAAW: Guided weapon's success proof of DRDO prowess in developing indigenous capability |last=Siddiqui  |first=Huma  |access-date=2 August 2018 |work=The Financial Express |date=18 December 2022}}</ref> According to a statement by the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|MoD]], the tests were conducted with different release conditions and ranges.<ref name="press release" /> The statement also cited DRDO chief S. Christopher as saying that the weapon will soon be inducted into service.<ref name="press release" />


On 19 August 2018, the MoD announced through a press release that a total of three tests were successfully conducted from a Jaguar aircraft between 16 and 18 August 2018 at the Chandan range in [[Pokhran]], [[Rajasthan]], thus bringing the total number of tests to eight.<ref name="Successful Flight Tests of SAAW">{{Cite press release |title=Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon |date=19 August 2018 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1543361 |access-date=21 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-weapon-systems-tested/article24731942.ece |title=Indigenous weapon systems tested |last=Geetanath |first=V. |access-date=23 August 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=19 August 2018}}</ref> During the tests, the SAAW, fitted with a live warhead, destroyed the intended targets with high precision. The press statement further said that all the mission objectives were achieved, adding that the tests were witnessed by senior officials from the DRDO, HAL and the IAF.<ref name="Successful Flight Tests of SAAW" />
On 19 August 2018, the MoD announced through a press release that a total of three tests were successfully conducted from a Jaguar aircraft between 16 and 18 August 2018 at the Chandan range in [[Pokhran]], [[Rajasthan]], thus bringing the total number of tests to eight.<ref name="Successful Flight Tests of SAAW">{{Cite press release |title=Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon |date=19 August 2018 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=http://pib.nic.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1543361 |access-date=21 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-weapon-systems-tested/article24731942.ece |title=Indigenous weapon systems tested |last=Geetanath |first=V. |access-date=23 August 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=19 August 2022}}</ref> During the tests, the SAAW, fitted with a live warhead, destroyed the intended targets with high precision. The press statement further said that all the mission objectives were achieved, adding that the tests were witnessed by senior officials from the DRDO, HAL and the IAF.<ref name="Successful Flight Tests of SAAW" />


On 21 January 2021, India successfully test fired SAAW from the [[BAE Systems Hawk#Hawk 132|Hawk-i]] aircraft off the coast of [[Odisha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/hawk-i-test-fires-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-that-can-destroy-enemy-assets-from-100km/amp_articleshow/80385067.cms|title=Hawk-i test fires smart anti-airfield weapon that can destroy enemy assets from 100km|work=TOI}}</ref> On 28 October 2021, IAF tested SAAW at Pokhran range from Su-30MKI in dual rack pylon configuration.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=2021-10-29|title=India’s 1st long-range 1 ton guided bomb test-fired, hits target 100 km away|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-1st-long-range-1-ton-guided-bomb-test-fired-hits-target-100-km-away-101635521080880.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>
On 21 January 2021, India successfully test fired SAAW from the [[BAE Systems Hawk#Hawk 132|Hawk-i]] aircraft off the coast of [[Odisha]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.com/india/hawk-i-test-fires-smart-anti-airfield-weapon-that-can-destroy-enemy-assets-from-100km/amp_articleshow/80385067.cms|title=Hawk-i test fires smart anti-airfield weapon that can destroy enemy assets from 100km|work=TOI}}</ref> On 28 October 2021, IAF tested SAAW at Pokhran range from Su-30MKI in dual rack pylon configuration.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Gupta|first=Shishir|date=2021-10-29|title=India's 1st long-range 1 ton guided bomb test-fired, hits target 100 km away|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-1st-long-range-1-ton-guided-bomb-test-fired-hits-target-100-km-away-101635521080880.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-30|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029161123/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-1st-long-range-1-ton-guided-bomb-test-fired-hits-target-100-km-away-101635521080880.html |archive-date=29 October 2021 }}</ref>


On 3rd November 2021, DRDO and IAF tested SAAW with electro optical seeker, first of its class in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DRDO & Indian Air Force carry out successful flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon|url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1769241|access-date=2021-11-03|website=pib.gov.in|language=en}}</ref>  
On 3rd November 2021, DRDO and IAF tested SAAW with electro optical seeker, first of its class in India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DRDO & Indian Air Force carry out successful flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon|url=https://pib.gov.in/pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1769241|access-date=2021-11-03|website=pib.gov.in|language=en}}</ref>  


== Production ==
== Production ==
On 15 December 2021, [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]] [[Rajnath Singh]] handed over SAAW to IAF Chief [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari]] clearing way towards mass production.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Negi|first=Manjeet|date=15 December 2021|title=Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hands over DRDO-developed products to Armed Forces|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-drdo-products-armed-forces-1887865-2021-12-15|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-15|website=India Today|language=en}}</ref>
On 15 December 2021, [[Minister of Defence (India)|Minister of Defence]] [[Rajnath Singh]] handed over SAAW to IAF Chief [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari]] clearing way towards mass production.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Negi|first=Manjeet|date=15 December 2021|title=Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hands over DRDO-developed products to Armed Forces|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-drdo-products-armed-forces-1887865-2021-12-15|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-15|website=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214193537/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-drdo-products-armed-forces-1887865-2021-12-15 |archive-date=14 December 2021 }}</ref>


== Future Development==
== Future Development==

Revision as of 20:05, 22 December 2022

DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon
TypePrecision-guided Anti-Airfield glide bomb
Place of originIndia
Production history
DesignerResearch Centre Imarat (DRDO)
ManufacturerHindustan Aeronautics Limited[1]
Produced2020
Specifications
Mass125 kg (276 lb)
WarheadHigh explosives, Penetration Cum Blast (PCB).[2]
Warhead weight80 kg[3]
Operational
range
100 km
Guidance
system
Mid-course: Inertial navigation system with GPS/NavIC satellite guidance
Terminal: Imaging infrared homing
Launch
platform

The DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) is a long-range precision-guided anti-airfield weapon developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to be capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 kilometres (62 mi).

The SAAW project was approved by the Government of India in 2013. The first successful test of the weapon was conducted in May 2016. Another successful test was conducted in November of the following year. This was followed by a series of three successful tests in December 2017.

Between 16 and 18 August 2018, three successful tests were conducted, which brought the total number of tests to eight.

In September 2020, the SAAW was approved for procurement by the Indian Government for the Navy and the Air Force.[5]

Description

The SAAW has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and other DRDO laboratories in collaboration with the Indian Air Force. It is a lightweight, high precision guided bomb designed to destroy ground targets, such as runways, bunkers, aircraft hangars and other reinforced structures. Weighing 125 kg (276 lb), it has deep penetration capabilities, and carries a high explosive warhead and has a standoff range of 100 kilometres (62 mi), which enables users to strike targets, such as enemy airfields, at a safe distance without putting pilots and aircraft in jeopardy. It is India's first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon, designed and developed wholly by the DRDO.

According to DRDO chief S. Christopher, unlike normal bombs in the Indian inventory which are sensitive to environmental conditions and therefore may not precisely hit the intended target, the precision-guided SAAW has higher precision and can precisely hit the intended target.[6] According to him, "This is a sort of guided bomb and it will be much much cheaper than a missile or rocket, the reason being that it is not having a propulsion, it is making use of the aircraft's propulsion. It can go and land in a place we want."

The SAAW can currently be launched from the Jaguar and Su-30MKI aircraft. The Su-30MKI is capable of carrying 20-32 SAAW by using indigenous four-round Smart Quad Rack system under its pylon. There are plans to integrate the weapon with the Dassault Rafale and HAL Tejas MK1A when it is inducted into the Indian Air Force.

Development and trials

In September 2013, the SAAW project was sanctioned by the Indian Government for ₹56.58 crore (US$7.9 million).[7][8] The project finds mention in a written note submitted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to the Standing Committee on Defence, in a report on 'Demands for Grants' to be provided in 2014–15 to the Ordnance Factories Board and the DRDO. It is also listed in the list of current programmes of the Mission and Combat System R&D Center (MCSRDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).[9]

Trials for the wing functioning of the weapon were successfully conducted in late 2015 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility located at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Ramgarh, Haryana.[9]

According to plans, the weapon was to be tested by the beginning of May 2016 in Jaisalmer. However, owing to technical reasons, the test had to be aborted twice.[9] The weapon was finally tested at the end of the first week of May 2016 by the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) of the IAF from a Jaguar DARIN II aircraft in Bengaluru, and the test was successful.[9][10]

A second test of the weapon was successfully conducted on 24 December 2016 by the DRDO from a Su-30MKI aircraft at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha. It included captive flight and release tests which were tracked by radar and telemetry ground stations at the ITR throughout the flight duration.[11][12][13]

On 3 November 2017, a series of three tests were successfully conducted from an Indian Air Force aircraft at the ITR at Chandipur, Odisha.[14][15] The bomb, upon release from the aircraft, was guided by an on-board precision navigation system and reached the targets at a range of more than 70 kilometers with high accuracy.[15][6][16] According to a statement by the MoD, the tests were conducted with different release conditions and ranges.[14] The statement also cited DRDO chief S. Christopher as saying that the weapon will soon be inducted into service.[14]

On 19 August 2018, the MoD announced through a press release that a total of three tests were successfully conducted from a Jaguar aircraft between 16 and 18 August 2018 at the Chandan range in Pokhran, Rajasthan, thus bringing the total number of tests to eight.[17][18] During the tests, the SAAW, fitted with a live warhead, destroyed the intended targets with high precision. The press statement further said that all the mission objectives were achieved, adding that the tests were witnessed by senior officials from the DRDO, HAL and the IAF.[17]

On 21 January 2021, India successfully test fired SAAW from the Hawk-i aircraft off the coast of Odisha.[19] On 28 October 2021, IAF tested SAAW at Pokhran range from Su-30MKI in dual rack pylon configuration.[20]

On 3rd November 2021, DRDO and IAF tested SAAW with electro optical seeker, first of its class in India.[21]

Production

On 15 December 2021, Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh handed over SAAW to IAF Chief Vivek Ram Chaudhari clearing way towards mass production.[22]

Future Development

DRDO chairman Dr G. Satheesh Reddy has disclosed that the next version of SAAW will be equipped with an IIR seeker and will begin developmental trials in 2022.[1]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Developing Any Kind Of Missile Is Not Much Of An Issue For DRDO Anymore: Satheesh Reddy". Delhi Defence Review. 9 February 2021.
  2. ↑ Warhead, Technologies,DRDO. "Warhead Technology" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ Warhead, Technologies,DRDO. "Warhead Technology" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 November 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ↑ "Successful Flight Test of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon". PIB India. 22 January 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ↑ "Defence Acquisition Council headed by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh accords approval for various arms and equipment worth Rs. 2,290 crore". Ministry of Defence. 28 September 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "SAAW glide bomb more precise than missiles, says DRDO chief after test". Business Standard. Indo-Asian News Service. 5 November 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  7. ↑ "DRDO successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 kilometres (62 mi) range". The Economic Times. 24 December 2016. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  8. ↑ "DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, can target enemy airfields within 100 km range". India Today. 24 December 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "India's first fully indigenized anti-airfield weapon tested". The Times of India. 23 May 2016. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  10. ↑ "India successfully tests smart anti-airfield weapon system". The Times of India. Press Trust of India. 24 December 2022. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
  11. ↑ "DRDO successfully tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon in Odisha". The Financial Express. 24 December 2016. Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 25 December 2016.
  12. ↑ "DRDO successfully flight tests Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 24 December 2016. Retrieved 5 August 2022.
  13. ↑ "India successfully tests its locally developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon". IHS Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "Successful Flight Test of Guided Bombs" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 3 November 2017. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "IAF, DRDO successfully test indigenous 'glide' bomb, to be inducted soon". The Hindustan Times. Press Trust of India. 3 November 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  16. ↑ Siddiqui, Huma (18 December 2022). "Glide Bomb SAAW: Guided weapon's success proof of DRDO prowess in developing indigenous capability". The Financial Express. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Successful Flight Tests of Smart Anti Airfield Weapon" (Press release). Press Information Bureau. 19 August 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2022.
  18. ↑ Geetanath, V. (19 August 2022). "Indigenous weapon systems tested". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  19. ↑ "Hawk-i test fires smart anti-airfield weapon that can destroy enemy assets from 100km". TOI.
  20. ↑ Gupta, Shishir (29 October 2021). "India's 1st long-range 1 ton guided bomb test-fired, hits target 100 km away". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 29 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  21. ↑ "DRDO & Indian Air Force carry out successful flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  22. ↑ Negi, Manjeet (15 December 2021). "Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hands over DRDO-developed products to Armed Forces". India Today. Archived from the original on 14 December 2021. Retrieved 15 December 2021.

External links

Technical:

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