DRDO and Indian Air Force Successfully Test Indigenous TARA Glide Weapon

India achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence technology as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the maiden flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the coast of Odisha.

Key Highlights of the Flight Trial:

TARA is India’s first indigenous glide weapon system.

The weapon converts conventional unguided bombs into precision-guided glide weapons.

The trial was carried out using a Jaguar fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

The system is designed to improve strike accuracy and enhance stand-off attack capability.

What is TARA?

Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA)

TARA is a modular range extension kit developed by DRDO that transforms ordinary “dumb bombs” into smart precision-guided weapons.

Major Features:

Indigenous glide weapon system

Converts unguided warheads into guided munitions

Enhances range and accuracy of aerial weapons

Cost-effective precision strike system

Capable of neutralising ground-based targets from safer stand-off distances

Development and Technology

Developing Agency: Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad under DRDO.

Supported by other DRDO laboratories and Indian defence industries.

Production Status:

Production activity has already started with Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) and Indian private industries.

The system uses advanced low-cost indigenous technologies.

Importance of the TARA Weapon System

Strengthens India’s precision strike capability.

Reduces dependence on foreign glide weapon systems.

Enhances the operational capability of the Indian Air Force.

Supports the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in the defence sector.

Military Advantages:

Allows aircraft to attack targets from longer distances.

Improves survivability of fighter aircraft in hostile air defence zones.

Provides economical conversion of existing bomb inventory into smart weapons.

About Research Centre Imarat (RCI):

Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana

Established: 1988

Parent Organisation: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)

RCI is a premier DRDO laboratory engaged in:

Missile avionics

Guidance systems

Navigation technologies

Control systems for missiles and weapon platforms

About DRDO

Established in 1958

Headquarters: New Delhi

Current Chairman: Dr Samir V. Kamat

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