SOFINS 2025: IGB 50 – The Smart Stealth Glide Bomb Redefining Precision Strikes at 50 km

At SOFINS 2025, a remarkable piece of next-generation weaponry made waves — the IGB 50 stealth glide bomb, developed by the French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL). This precision-guided munition is a game-changer in the domain of low-cost, long-range, high-accuracy strikes. Designed for UAV deployment, the IGB 50 delivers deadly accuracy up to 50 kilometers away, all while carrying a 50 kg warhead — hence its name.

Precision at Range Without Breaking the Bank

Traditionally, guided rockets or advanced 155 mm artillery shells are used for long-range strikes. But they’re costly and often struggle to engage moving targets. The IGB 50 fills this tactical gap perfectly. Thanks to its aerodynamic design and glide ratio exceeding 5:1, it can be released from UAVs flying at moderate altitudes and cruise steadily toward its target, all while maintaining stealth and speed.

With a circular error probable (CEP) of less than 1 meter, the IGB 50 delivers pinpoint accuracy — comparable to high-end artillery shells but at a fraction of the cost. Its developers aimed to match the cost of rocket-assisted artillery shells with correction fuzes, making it a budget-friendly option for widespread deployment.

Smart Design for Stealth and Maneuverability

The IGB 50 is made from lightweight composite materials. It features unfolding swept wings and a cruciform tail, ensuring stability and long-distance gliding. But it’s not just about flight dynamics — the bomb’s shape also minimizes its radar cross-section, especially from the front and bottom, making it harder to detect and intercept.

When launched, it can reach speeds of up to Mach 0.5, striking quickly and efficiently. The weapon’s onboard systems can adjust its trajectory mid-flight to avoid obstacles or engage the target from a chosen angle — even a top-down attack — offering tactical flexibility.

Advanced Guidance with AI and Anti-Jamming Tech

Guidance is where the IGB 50 truly shines. It receives target coordinates via a top-mounted connector from its carrier UAV, which could easily be one with a 50–60 kg payload capacity. Initial guidance is GNSS-based, but ISL took it a step further by integrating a specialized Controlled Radiation Pattern Antenna (CRPA). This smart antenna counters jamming and spoofing attempts by dynamically nullifying interference.

If GPS signals are jammed, the IGB 50 switches seamlessly to its inertial navigation system. And for the final stage of the strike, it relies on onboard artificial intelligence. A front-mounted optical sensor, powered by image-based AI algorithms, enables the bomb to recognize and track its target — even if the target moves or performs evasive maneuvers.

A Glimpse Into the Future

The IGB 50 isn’t just a standalone solution. ISL is already working with European partners to miniaturize the design, making an even smaller version for future UAV operations. The roadmap also includes more futuristic features like timed strikes and swarm attack coordination, paving the way for complex, multi-bomb missions controlled by a single drone platform.

Key Specifications of IGB 50 Glide Bomb:

• Type: Precision-guided stealth glide bomb

• Developer: French-German Research Institute of Saint-Louis (ISL)

• Weight: 50 kg (warhead and structure)

• Range: Up to 50 km

• Speed: Up to Mach 0.5

• Accuracy: CEP under 1 meter

• Guidance: GNSS with CRPA, Inertial Navigation, and AI-based terminal image recognition

• Stealth Features: Reduced radar cross-section via shape and materials

• Deployment: From tactical UAVs with 50–60 kg payload capacity

• Capabilities: Directional attack angles, anti-jamming, moving target tracking, potential for swarm attacks

With the IGB 50, ISL has successfully introduced a smart, efficient, and cost-effective weapon designed for the modern battlefield — where precision, speed, and flexibility are paramount. As warfare continues to evolve with drones and AI at the forefront, weapons like the IGB 50 will play a vital role in redefining tactical engagements.