Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: In a significant boost to India’s push for self-reliance in defence technologies, 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 coast of Odisha on May 7.
It coincided with first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, a decisive, multi-dimensional military strike launched on May 7, 2025, that destroyed nine key terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and PoJK.
TARA is India’s first indigenous modular range extension kit designed as a glide weapon system. It transforms conventional unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions, dramatically enhancing their accuracy, range, and lethality against ground targets while keeping costs low.
Developed primarily by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories, TARA represents a cost-effective solution that leverages state-of-the-art, low-cost systems. The kit adds wings and advanced guidance to existing High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) and General Purpose (GP) bomb bodies, enabling stand-off precision strikes.
The system is being produced
in multiple variants — including TARA 250, TARA 450, and TARA 500 — based on 250 kg, 450 kg, and 500 kg bomb configurations. It is compatible with IAF platforms such as the Jaguar, Mirage 2000, and Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Prior to the flight trial, the weapon had undergone captive carriage trials on Jaguar aircraft.
The development has involved close partnership with Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) and other Indian industries, which have already initiated production activities, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, IAF, DcPP, and industry partners, terming the successful maiden trial a “significant development” in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities. Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, Dr Samir V Kamat, also extended congratulations to all teams involved in the project.
Strategic Importance
This successful trial marks another step forward in DRDO’s ongoing efforts to develop advanced glide bombs and precision-guided systems, building on earlier displays of the technology, such as during Republic Day parades.
TARA is expected to provide the IAF with enhanced deep-strike options, allowing aircraft to engage targets from safer distances beyond the reach of enemy air defences. With its glide capabilities and precision guidance, the system offers a potent, affordable alternative to more expensive imported munitions.
Further trials are anticipated to fully validate the weapon’s performance across its operational envelope before induction.