Zillar Barta Desk , New Delhi : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully conducted the drop trial of the indigenously designed and developed Khagantak-243 Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), marking a significant milestone for the IAF and India’s growing defence industry. The IAF said the trials met all objectives, describing the achievement as a major step forward in precision strike capabilities and indigenous defence technology.

The Khagantak-243 is a long-range stand-off precision-guided glide bomb, designed to be released from a fighter aircraft and travel towards its target using aerodynamic lift and guidance systems. Reports indicate that the weapon has a range of more than 140 kilometres, giving aircraft the ability to engage targets from considerable stand-off distances.

The weapon has been developed through collaboration between JSR Dynamics and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The programme highlights the growing role of Indian public and private-sector companies in developing sophisticated precision-guided munitions and reducing dependence on foreign defence imports.

The successful trial is also significant for the IAF’s modernisation efforts. Stand-off weapons allow fighter aircraft to engage targets without necessarily entering heavily defended areas, potentially improving operational flexibility while reducing exposure to enemy air-defence systems.

The IAF said the achievement demonstrates the progress being made under Atmanirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Defence Innovation initiatives. The successful Khagantak-243 trial therefore represents not only an enhancement in the force’s precision-strike options but also another important step towards building a stronger indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.