India's DRDO Unveils Enhanced New 250kg HSLD Bomb with Range Extension Kit During Bharat Shakti Exercise

Defense News ,India :-  India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant leap forward in air-to-ground weaponry, revealing an extended-range High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) bomb during Exercise Bharat Shakti. This latest innovation, featuring a Range Extension Kit (REK), marks a substantial advancement in operational reach.

Equipped with the REK, the 250kg HSLD bomb empowers Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots with enhanced striking capabilities from safer distances, a critical tactical advantage in contemporary combat environments. The seamless integration of the REK with the bomb's existing guidance systems, leveraging GPS and Inertial Navigation System (INS), ensures pinpoint accuracy in targeting.

The REK's design incorporates a wing and tail unit, facilitating controlled gliding to maximize the bomb's extended range capabilities, further enhancing its effectiveness on the battlefield.

India's Innovation for Defence Excellence (IDEX) program is ambitiously pushing the boundaries of this technology. It recently called for industry collaboration to develop an advanced REK featuring an Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO-IR) guided warhead, promising enhanced terminal guidance for unparalleled accuracy.

DRDO's innovative prowess extends beyond the 250kg variant. The organization is actively engaged in developing similar REKs to augment the capabilities of heavier 450kg and 1000kg HSLD bombs, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to fortifying India's air-to-ground weaponry arsenal.

This concerted effort underscores India's steadfast commitment to maintaining a dynamic and adaptable air-to-ground weapon inventory, ensuring readiness and efficacy in the face of evolving security challenges.