All About DRDO SAAW: Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon

The DRDO Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) is an anti-airfield weapon with long-range and precision guidance developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is intended to engage ground...

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July 6, 2023
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The Government of India approved the SAAW project in 2013. The weapon underwent its first successful test in May 2016. Another successful test was undertaken the following November. This was followed in December 2017 by three successful tests.

SAAW: Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon

The SAAW was developed in partnership with the Indian Air Force by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other DRDO institutes. It is a small, high-precision guided bomb meant to demolish ground targets such as runways, bunkers, aircraft hangars, and other reinforced structures. It weighs 125 kg (276 lb), has deep penetration capabilities, a heavy explosive warhead, and a standoff range of 100 kilometres (62 mi), allowing operators to strike targets, such as enemy airfields, at a safe distance without endangering pilots and aircraft. The DRDO created and built India’s first totally indigenous anti-airfield weapon.

Currently, the SAAW can be launched from the Jaguar and Su-30MKI aircraft. The Su-30MKI can carry 20-32 SAAW by utilising an indigenous four-round Smart Quad Rack system beneath its pylon. When the weapon is introduced into the Indian Air Force, it would be integrated with the Dassault Rafale and HAL Tejas MK1A.

Upgraded SAAW

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on an upgraded form of the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). This precision-guided bomb is intended to destroy enemy runways, aircraft hangars, bunkers, radars, and other protected installations.

The new variant intends to enhance the weapon’s range by 40-50% and outfit it with Mini Turbojet propulsion, allowing it to attack deeper targets or readjust and eliminate mobile and relocatable enemies. The DRDO intends for this updated SAAW to operate efficiently in all weather and day/night conditions while following rigorous engagement criteria to minimise collateral damage.

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The incorporation of Mini Turbojet propulsion is one of the primary upgrades of the proposed model. Following the completion of its initial glide phase, the weapon will use this enhanced propulsion technology to increase its range and strike targets placed further away. The SAAW is basically transformed into a tiny cruise missile as a result of this upgrade, which broadens its operational potential. The weapon gains the capacity to strike targets beyond its initial range by integrating Mini Turbojet propulsion, making it a more versatile asset for the Indian Armed Forces.

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The new SAAW type will be deployable in attack missions using platforms such as the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft to maximise its efficacy. These vehicles will be outfitted with quad launchers capable of carrying up to eight, twelve, or sixteen missiles, depending on the configuration. This enables a broader and more potent aerial strike capability, improving India’s offensive capabilities against adversary facilities and defences.

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The SAAW has previously proven to be effective in two configurations based on satellite navigation and electro-optical (EO) sensors. Previous iterations have demonstrated their worth, with the EO-seeker-based flight test being a first in India. The armament system’s EO configuration includes imaging infrared seeker technology, which considerably improves precision strike capability. This incorporation of modern imaging technology assures greater accuracy, improving the weapon’s lethality while reducing the chance of collateral harm.

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