The Indian Air Force has successfully tested an indigenously designed and developed Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), Khagantak-243, marking a major step in India’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defence capabilities. The 125-kg glide bomb can hit targets at distances of up to 180 km when released under specified flight conditions.

Nagpur-based start-up JSR Dynamics Pvt Ltd developed the weapon in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The project follows the Development-cum-Production Partner model and highlights growing cooperation between India’s private defence industry and public-sector companies.

The Khagantak-243 carries a 125-kg Mk-81 general-purpose blast fragmentation warhead. The warhead is housed inside the bomb’s cylindrical body. The “243” designation is the configuration of the class of the bomb.

The weapon uses swivel-type glide wings fitted around its mid-body. It also has five control surfaces at the rear to guide its flight. The bomb has a glide ratio of more than 12, allowing it to travel a considerable distance after being released from an aircraft without using its own propulsion system.

Khagantak-243 can cover144-180 km when released from an altitude of 12 km at Mach 0.8. This will help IAF fighter aircraft to engage targets deep inside enemy territory while remaining outside the range of enemy air defence systems.

The IAF first tested the Khagantak-243 by dropping it from a Su-30MKI fighter aircraft at Pokhran. The weapon is also planned for integration with the MiG-29K and Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft. This development expands the number of platforms which can carry and deploy the indigenous glide bomb.

The IAF has already placed a limited series contract with BEL for the Khagantak-243. The Khagantak family is also being developed in other configurations. These include the heavier Khagantak-306 and Khagantak-225 variants, which are designed to offer longer ranges.

The development of Khagantak-243 is a successor to the 1,000-kg Gaurav Long Range Glide Bomb tested by DRDO in April 2025. The two programmes underline India's push to develop long-range precision strike weapons indigenously.

Glide bombs differ from cruise missiles in one key aspect. They do not have an engine or propulsion system. Instead, they use aerodynamic lift to travel towards their targets after being released from an aircraft. This makes them relatively cheaper to produce in large numbers.

Long-range glide bombs can be used against a range of important military targets. These include runways, hardened shelters and command centres. Their ability to strike targets from a distance also allows fighter aircraft to reduce their exposure to enemy air defence systems.

Glide bombs have already played an important role in recent strike operations. Imported Spice and Hammer bombs were used by India during Operation Sindoor, highlighting the importance of such weapons in long-range strike missions.

More than 1,000 Khagantak units are projected to enter IAF service by 2026. Their induction could help address a key capability gap and reduce the military’s dependence on imported glide bombs. The programme is also expected to strengthen India’s ability to produce such weapons domestically.

BEL officials said the programme could reduce India's import dependency from more than 70% to under 20%. The planned induction of Khagantak-243, along with its heavier variants, is expected to give the IAF greater access to indigenous long-range strike capabilities while supporting the growth of India’s private and public defence industries.