India achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon.
DRDO’s New Deadly Glide Bomb TARA
India achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon off the Odisha coast on May 7, 2026. TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons through a modular range extension kit.
The system has been developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories. The primary objective of TARA is to enhance the range, accuracy, and lethality of low-cost conventional weapons used against ground-based targets. The weapon uses advanced yet economical technologies, making it one of the first glide weapon systems in India to focus on cost-effective precision strike capability.
The project has been developed with the support of Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) and several Indian industries, which have already begun production activities. The successful test demonstrates India’s growing capability in designing and manufacturing advanced defence systems under the vision of self-reliance in defence production.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, industry partners, and all associated teams for the successful trial. He described the achievement as an important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and DRDO Chairman Dr Samir V Kamat also appreciated the scientists and teams involved in the successful flight-test.
What is Glide Weapon System
A Glide Weapon System is a smart weapon that is launched from an aircraft and then glides through the air to hit a target accurately without using a powerful engine throughout the flight.
Simple Explanation
- A normal bomb falls directly due to gravity.
- A glide weapon has wings or fins that help it travel farther and more accurately.
- It can be guided using GPS, sensors, or navigation systems.
How It Works
- Fighter aircraft releases the weapon.
- Wings/fins open after release.
- The weapon glides toward the target.
- Guidance system helps it strike precisely.
Advantages
- Longer attack range
- High accuracy
- Aircraft can attack from a safer distance
- Lower cost compared to missiles
- Can convert old unguided bombs into smart weapons
