war and warfare – Air Marshal's Perspective

April 16, 2025

650: INDIA ENTERS THE LASER AGE: MK-II(A) DEW USHERS IN A NEW ERA OF DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY

My article published on The EurasianTimes website on 16 Apr 25.

India successfully tested its first high-energy laser weapon, the Mk-II(A) Laser-Directed Energy Weapon (DEW), on April 13, 2025, at the National Open Air Range in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the 30-kilowatt laser system demonstrated the ability to neutralise fixed-wing, swarm, and surveillance sensors precisely at ranges up to 5 kilometers. The weapon can engage targets at the speed of light, using a laser beam to cause structural failure or destroy warheads, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional ammunition with minimal collateral damage.

The test places India among a select group of nations, including the US, China, and Russia, with advanced laser weapon capabilities. DRDO plans to induct the land-based system within two years, with future upgrades for greater range and applications on ships, aircraft, and satellites. A more powerful 300-kilowatt “Surya” laser capable of targeting high-speed missiles and drones up to 20 kilometers away. Posts on social media highlight the weapon’s potential to counter aerial threats effectively.

Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) represent a transformative leap in military technology. They harness concentrated energy to neutralise threats with unprecedented precision and speed, a feat once only a part of science fiction. Unlike conventional munitions, which rely on physical projectiles or explosives, DEWs deliver energy through lasers, microwaves, or particle beams to disable or destroy targets.

Directed Energy Weapons

At their core, DEWs operate by focusing energy to create destructive effects. The most prominent type, laser-based DEWs, emit highly focused beams of light that travel at the speed of light (approximately 300,000 kilometers per second). When this beam strikes a target, it transfers intense heat, causing structural failure, melting critical components, or detonating warheads. For instance, India’s 30-kilowatt Mk-II(A) laser demonstrated its ability to neutralise drones and sensors up to 5 kilometers away by inducing catastrophic overheating in seconds.

Microwave-based DEWs, another category, emit electromagnetic pulses to disrupt or destroy electronic systems. These are particularly effective against swarms of drones or missile guidance systems, as they can disable multiple targets simultaneously within a wide area. Though less developed, particle beam weapons accelerate charged particles to damage targets at the molecular level, offering potential for future applications.

The advantages of DEWs are manifold. They require no physical ammunition, reducing logistical burdens and costs—engagements are estimated to cost mere dollars per shot compared to thousands for missiles. This cost-effectiveness is a significant advantage in modern warfare. Their speed-of-light delivery ensures near-instantaneous impact, critical for countering fast-moving threats like hypersonic missiles. Additionally, DEWs produce minimal collateral damage, making them ideal for precision strikes in populated areas.

Historical Context and Global Development

The concept of DEWs dates back to science fiction, with early inspirations from works like H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds. However, serious development began during the Cold War, with the United States and Soviet Union exploring laser technologies for missile defence. This historical context provides a deeper understanding of the evolution of technology. The U.S. Strategic Defence Initiative in the 1980s, often dubbed “Star Wars,” aimed to deploy space-based lasers to intercept ballistic missiles, though technological limitations stalled progress.

In recent decades, advancements in power generation, beam control, and thermal management have brought DEWs closer to battlefield reality. The United States has led the charge, with systems like the Navy’s 150-kilowatt Laser Weapon System (LaWS) deployed on ships to counter drones and small boats. Israel’s Iron Beam, designed to complement the Iron Dome, uses lasers to intercept rockets and mortars cost-effectively. China and Russia have also invested heavily, with China’s Silent Hunter laser system reportedly capable of disabling vehicles and drones, and Russia’s Peresvet laser designed for air defence and satellite disruption. These developments can potentially reshape international relations as countries with advanced DEW capabilities gain new strategic advantages.

Applications in Modern Warfare

DEWs are poised to revolutionise defence across multiple domains. On land, they offer robust protection against drones, a growing threat in asymmetric warfare. The proliferation of low-cost drones, as seen in conflicts like Ukraine, has exposed vulnerabilities in traditional air defences. Laser systems provide a sustainable countermeasure with their low per-shot cost and unlimited “magazine” (limited only by power supply). For example, India’s Mk-II(A) successfully neutralised a swarm of drones, a capability critical for border security.

DEWs enhance naval defence against anti-ship missiles, small boats, and unmanned aerial vehicles at sea. The U.S. Navy’s High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system, integrated into destroyers, exemplifies this trend. For India, equipping warships with laser systems could strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean, a vital trade corridor.

In the air, DEWs are being developed for aircraft to counter incoming missiles. The U.S. Air Force’s Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) aims to equip fighter jets with laser pods for missile defence. India’s vision to mount lasers on aircraft could enhance its air superiority, particularly against regional adversaries with growing missile arsenals.

Space-based DEWs, though controversial, represent the next frontier. Lasers could disable enemy satellites or defend against anti-satellite weapons, securing critical communication and reconnaissance assets. India’s planned satellite-mounted lasers underscore its intent to safeguard its space infrastructure.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite their promise, DEWs face significant hurdles. Atmospheric conditions like rain, fog, or dust can scatter or weaken laser beams, reducing their effectiveness. India’s DRDO addresses this through advanced beam control systems, but challenges persist in diverse terrains like the Himalayas. Power requirements also pose a barrier—high-energy lasers demand substantial electricity, necessitating compact, efficient generators. For mobile platforms, this remains a logistical challenge.

Cost and scalability are additional concerns. While DEWs are cheaper per shot, initial development and deployment costs are high. India’s Mk-II(A) required years of investment, and scaling to systems like the Surya laser will demand further resources. Finally, countermeasures like reflective coatings or electronic hardening could reduce DEW effectiveness, sparking an arms race in defensive technologies. It’s important to note that while DEWs offer significant advantages, they are not without vulnerabilities. Developing effective countermeasures will be a key area of focus in the future.

Future of Directed Energy Weapons

The global DEW market is expected to grow rapidly, fuelled by increasing threats from drones, missiles, and electronic warfare. India’s roadmap, which includes the induction of the Mk-II(A) by 2027 and the development of the Surya laser, positions the country as a key player. Collaborative efforts with allies could hasten progress, while indigenous innovation ensures strategic autonomy.

Beyond military applications, DEWs have the potential for civilian uses, such as removing space debris or disaster response (e.g., disabling hazardous objects). Their integration into multi-layered defence systems—combining lasers, missiles, and electronic warfare—will redefine warfare as technology matures.

Conclusion

Directed Energy Weapons mark a paradigm shift in defence, offering speed, precision, and economy unmatched by traditional systems. India’s successful test of the Mk-II(A) laser underscores its emergence as a technological power, capable of shaping the future of warfare. While challenges remain, the trajectory is clear: DEWs are not just the stuff of science fiction but a cornerstone of 21st-century security. As nations race to master this technology, the balance of power—and the ethics of its use—will shape the decades ahead.

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Peresvet, Iron Beam, LaWS & Now India’s Mk-II(A)! How Directed Energy Weapons Could Revolutionize 21st-Century Warfare

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pics Courtesy: Internet

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.

References: –

DRDO Press Release. “Successful Test of Mk-II(A) Laser Directed Energy Weapon Conducted by DRDO.” April 13, 2025.

Firstpost. (2025, April 13). India’s ‘Star Wars’ weapon! DRDO tests laser that melts aerial threats. https://www.firstpost.com/india/indias-star-wars-weapon-drdo-tests-laser-that-melts-aerial-threats-13834676.html

India Today. (2025, April 13). DRDO tests laser-based weapon system. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/drdo-laser-weapon-system-destroys-drones-missiles-test-kurnool-andhra-pradesh-2527665-2025-04-13

LiveMint. (2025, April 13). In a first, India shoots down drones with laser weapon. https://www.livemint.com/news/india/in-a-first-india-shoots-down-drones-with-laser-weapon-joins-elite-league-of-nations-watch-video-11742305443609.html

NDTV. (2025, April 13). India’s first futuristic “Star Wars” laser weapon. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-first-futuristic-star-wars-laser-weapon-shoots-down-drone-swarm-5420597

The Hindu. (2025, April 13). DRDO tests directed energy weapon system. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/drdo-tests-directed-energy-weapon-system-that-can-disable-drones-missiles/article68989626.ece

Gormley, Dennis M. Directed Energy Weapons: Technologies, Applications and Implications. RAND Corporation, 2000.

Kopp, Carlo. “Directed-Energy Weapons: Physics of High-Energy Lasers (HELs).” Defence Today, vol. 6, no. 4, 2008.

Freedberg, Sydney J. Jr. “Lasers, Railguns & Directed Energy: The Future of War?” Breaking Defence, 2017.

Defence Update. “Directed Energy Weapons: Changing the Face of Modern Warfare.” 2024.

and International Studies (CSIS). Directed Energy and the Future Battlefield. CSIS Report, 2023.

April 14, 2025April 14, 2025

647: BANGLADESH: SHIFTING ALLIANCES, STRATEGIC PROJECTS, AND INDIA’S CONCERNS

My Article published on The EurasianTimes website on 14 Apr 25.

During his four-day visit to China from March 26 to 29, 2025, Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, made provocative statements against India. Speaking in Beijing, Yunus referred to India’s northeastern states, known as the “Seven Sisters,” as a “landlocked region” with “no way to reach the ocean.” He positioned Bangladesh as this region’s “only guardian of the ocean.” He suggested that this geographical situation presented a “huge possibility” for China to expand its economy through Bangladesh. He proposed that China could “build things, produce things, market things, bring things to China, and distribute them to the rest of the world,” effectively framing Bangladesh as a strategic gateway for Chinese economic influence.

These offensive remarks triggered strong reactions in India. They underscore the “persistent vulnerability narrative” associated with India’s strategic Siliguri Corridor, or “Chicken’s Neck,” a narrow strip connecting the Northeast to the rest of the country. These statements reflect a deeper strategic consideration and longstanding agenda. Yunus’s pitch came during a time of strained India- Bangladesh relations, following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August 2024 and his decision to prioritise China over India for his first state visit. His comments were seen as an attempt to leverage Bangladesh’s geographic position to attract Chinese investment. This shift in Dhaka’s alignment toward Beijing potentially complicates regional security dynamics, especially given the Northeast’s proximity to the sensitive Chicken’s Neck corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi later cautioned Yunus during a meeting on April 4, 2025, at the BIMSTEC Summit in Thailand, urging him to avoid rhetoric that “vitiates the environment” and emphasising the need for constructive bilateral ties.

Political Upheaval and Anti-India Sentiment. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government marked a turning point in Bangladesh’s domestic and foreign policy. Hasina’s administration had fostered strong ties with India, emphasising economic cooperation, security partnerships, and infrastructure development. However, her ouster, driven by student protests and political unrest, brought to power an interim government that has adopted a less conciliatory tone toward India. Anti-India utterances have gained traction under the new regime. Additionally, public and political discourse in Bangladesh has seen a rise in criticism of India, often centered on issues like water-sharing disputes and perceived interference in Bangladeshi politics. These sentiments are partly rooted in historical grievances and domestic pressures to assert sovereignty but have strained bilateral ties.

Cozying Up to China

Bangladesh’s deepening relationship with China is a significant development under the interim government. Beijing has long sought to expand its influence in South Asia, and Bangladesh’s strategic location makes it a key partner in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Yunus government has actively courted Chinese investment, signaling a shift from Hasina’s cautious balancing act between India and China.

China’s involvement in Bangladesh spans infrastructure, trade, and defence. In March 2025, Dhaka welcomed Chinese participation in multiple projects, including modernising Mongla Port and expanding the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram. Bilateral agreements signed during Yunus’s visit to Beijing included cooperation in the blue economy, maritime dialogue, and a potential Free Trade Agreement. These moves indicate Bangladesh’s intent to leverage China’s economic might to bolster its development agenda.

However, this pivot toward China has raised eyebrows in New Delhi. India views China’s growing presence in Bangladesh as part of a broader strategy to encircle it through the so-called “String of Pearls” – a network of strategic assets in the Indo-Pacific. The shift is particularly concerning given Bangladesh’s proximity to India’s northeastern region, which is connected to the mainland by the narrow Siliguri Corridor, colloquially known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” The potential threat of China’s growing presence in Bangladesh is a cause for concern in India.

The Teesta River Project: A Geopolitical Flashpoint

The Teesta River, which originates in Sikkim, flows through West Bengal and enters Bangladesh, has long been a point of contention between India and Bangladesh. The river is vital for irrigation and livelihoods in both countries, but disagreements over water sharing have persisted for decades. Bangladesh accuses India of restricting water flow through upstream barrages, particularly during the dry season, affecting millions in its northern districts like Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram.

The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, estimated at $1 billion, has emerged as a new arena for Sino-Indian rivalry. Under Hasina, Bangladesh had leaned toward India for the project, with New Delhi expressing interest in funding it to counter China’s earlier proposal. However, the interim government has shifted course, inviting Chinese participation. In February 2025, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Environment announced plans to collaborate with China on a master plan for the river’s conservation, involving dredging, embankment construction, and township development. This decision was framed as a response to public demand, with hearings held to build consensus.

For India, Chinese involvement in the Teesta project is alarming. The river’s proximity to the Siliguri Corridor means that Chinese personnel or infrastructure near the border could provide Beijing with strategic leverage. India fears that data on water flow or the presence of Chinese engineers could be used to monitor or influence the region’s security dynamics. The project’s geopolitical implications underscore the delicate balance Bangladesh must strike between economic development and regional stability.

The Lalmonirhat Airfield Project: A Security Concern

Another development raising red flags in India is Bangladesh’s plan to revive the World War II-era airfield in Lalmonirhat, located just 10 kilometers from the Indian border. Reports suggest Dhaka has sought Chinese assistance to transform the abandoned site into a modern airbase, with discussions reportedly held during Yunus’s China visit. While Bangladesh frames the project as part of its military modernisation under the Forces Goal 2030 initiative, India is wary of its potential implications.

The location of the Lalmonirhat airfield, near the Siliguri Corridor, presents a sensitive issue. If developed with Chinese support, the airbase could serve as a dual-use facility, potentially hosting Chinese military assets disguised as civilian infrastructure. The mere prospect of Chinese involvement so close to India’s border is viewed as a provocative move, particularly in light of Bangladesh’s recent overtures to Pakistan, another rival of India.

The Chicken’s Neck: India’s Strategic Redline

The Siliguri Corridor, or Chicken’s Neck, is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal, approximately 20-60 kilometers wide, which connects India’s mainland to its northeastern states. Bordered by Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and China, it is one of India’s most strategically located regions. The corridor is a lifeline for trade, communication, and military logistics to the northeast. Any disruption in the Chicken’s Neck could isolate the northeast, a scenario India has long sought to prevent. The corridor’s importance has prompted New Delhi to bolster its defences, deploying advanced assets like Rafale fighter jets, BrahMos missiles, and the S-400 air defence system.

Bangladesh’s moves to involve China in projects near the corridor – particularly the Teesta River and Lalmonirhat airfield – are seen as direct challenges to India’s security. A Chinese presence in these areas could enable intelligence gathering, influence local dynamics, or even give Beijing a foothold to pressure India in a crisis. The corridor’s proximity to the Chinese-controlled Chumbi Valley, where tensions flared during the 2017 Doklam standoff, further heightens India’s concerns.

Improving Connectivity: Kaladan Project

The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project is a significant infrastructure initiative to enhance connectivity between India and Myanmar, foster economic growth, and strengthen bilateral ties. Launched in 2008 under India’s Act East Policy, the project seeks to connect Kolkata’s seaport with Sittwe in Myanmar’s Rakhine State by sea, then link Sittwe to Paletwa through the Kaladan River, and finally extend from Paletwa to Zorinpui on the India-Myanmar border in Mizoram by road. Spanning approximately 539 km by sea, 158 km by river, and 110 km by road, it offers an alternative route to India’s northeastern states, bypassing the narrow Siliguri Corridor and reducing travel distance by about 1,328 km.

Fully funded by India at an estimated cost of $484 million, the project faced numerous challenges, including delays due to political instability in Myanmar, the Rohingya crisis, conflicts involving the Arakan Army, and logistical issues like monsoons and rugged terrain. While the Sittwe port and Paletwa jetty were completed by 2017, with dredging finalised, the road from Paletwa to Zorinpui remains under construction. Recent control of Paletwa by the Arakan Army has raised concerns about the project’s viability, though assurances of cooperation have been made.

The project promises substantial economic benefits, boosting trade and development in India’s landlocked Northeast by providing sea access to Southeast Asian markets. Strategically, it enhances India’s regional influence, countering China’s presence. However, ongoing conflicts and coordination issues underscore the need for diplomatic engagement with local stakeholders to ensure timely completion, making the Kaladan Project a critical yet complex endeavour for regional connectivity and economic integration.

Indian Concerns and Regional Implications

India’s concerns about Bangladesh’s recent trajectory are multifaceted. First, the rise in anti-India rhetoric threatens to erode the goodwill built over decades of cooperation. Projects like the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and India’s $8 billion in credit lines for Bangladeshi infrastructure underscore the depth of bilateral ties, but these are now at risk due to political uncertainty.

China’s growing footprint in Bangladesh challenges India’s influence in its immediate neighbourhood. New Delhi fears that Bangladesh could become a key node in China’s regional strategy, undermining India’s role as a counterweight in the Indo-Pacific. With planned visits by its foreign minister and secretary in April 2025, Pakistan’s involvement adds another layer of complexity as Islamabad seeks to capitalise on Dhaka’s shift.

Further, the strategic projects near the Siliguri Corridor raise immediate security concerns. India has responded by enhancing its military posture but recognises the need for diplomatic engagement. The meeting between Yunus and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in April 2025 was described as “constructive,” with discussions on water sharing, border issues, and minority rights. However, tangible progress remains elusive.

Indian Retribution.

Since 08 April, India has terminated a transhipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to route export goods through Indian ports, airports, and land customs stations to third countries. Established in 2020, the arrangement had facilitated cost-effective and efficient trade, particularly for Bangladesh’s garment industry, which relied on Indian infrastructure to reach markets in Europe and the Gulf.

India cited logistical challenges, including port and airport congestion, as the primary reason for the withdrawal. Indian exporters, especially in apparel, had long complained that the facility strained capacity, inflating costs and delaying shipments. However, the timing suggests a strategic response to Bangladesh’s growing alignment with China, raising regional security and influence concerns. Exceptions were made for exports to Nepal and Bhutan, aligning with World Trade Organization obligations for landlocked nations. The move disrupts Bangladesh’s trade logistics, forcing reliance on longer, costlier routes through its ports like Chittagong.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s recent developments reflect a complex interplay of domestic priorities and geopolitical ambitions. The interim government’s outreach to China and anti-India rhetoric have set off alarm bells in New Delhi, particularly regarding the Teesta River and Lalmonirhat airfield projects. The Chicken’s Neck remains a critical concern, with India taking no chances to secure its lifeline to the northeast. As Bangladesh navigates its path, it must balance economic imperatives with regional stability, while India grapples with the challenge of maintaining influence in a rapidly changing neighbourhood. The coming months will test the resilience of India-Bangladesh relations and the broader dynamics of South Asian geopolitics.

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Bangladesh Tries Creating Thorns In India’s Achilles Heal, A Region Defended By Rafale, BrahMos, S-400

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pics Courtesy: Internet

Disclaimer:

References: –

The Economic Times, April 6, 2025: “Chinese airfield plan in Bangladesh district close to Chicken’s Neck area raises Indian concerns.”

The Diplomat, May 22, 2024: “Teesta River Project Pushes Bangladesh into China-India Cold War.”

The Hindu, March 28, 2025: “Bangladesh welcomes China to participate in Teesta project.”

Business Today, April 8, 2025: “India Alarmed as Bangladesh Plans Strategic Base near Chicken’s Neck with China’s Help.”

Indian Defence Research Wing, April 8, 2025: “Bangladesh Seeks China’s Assistance for Lalmonirhat Airbase: A Strategic Concern for India.”

Pant, Harsh V., & Sahu, Premesha. “China’s Strategic Entrenchment in Bangladesh: Implications for India.” ORF Issue Brief, 2021.

“Bangladesh’s Foreign Policy Balancing Act: Navigating India-China Rivalry.” ISAS Insights, 2022.

Ganguly, Sumit. “India’s Neighborhood First Policy: Rhetoric or Reality?” Carnegie India, 2021.

“Bangladesh’s Mega Projects and the BRI Footprint: Analyzing the Economic and Strategic Layers.” SAM Analysis, 2023.

“China’s Belt and Road Initiative in South Asia: Strategic Implications for India.” CSIS Briefs, 2021.

April 13, 2025

646: PRECISION FROM AFAR: INDIA’S GLIDE BOMBS AND THE CHANGING FACE OF WARFARE

My Article was published on the EurasianTimes Website

on 13 April 25.

In early April 2025, India successfully tested two indigenously developed glide bombs. The first, Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) named “Gaurav,” was tested between April 8 and 10, 2025, from a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This 1,000-kg class bomb, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment, and Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, demonstrated a range close to 100 kilometers with pinpoint accuracy. The trials involved multiple warhead configurations and targeted a land-based site on an island, paving the way for its induction into the IAF. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat praised the achievement, highlighting its role in enhancing India’s standoff strike capabilities and self-reliance in defence technology.

The second was the lightweight “Glide” bomb, called the SAAW (Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon), which the IAF and DRDO test-fired in Odisha. The SAAW is a lightweight, precision-guided bomb designed to target enemy airfields, runways, bunkers, and other reinforced structures at ranges up to 100 kilometers. Weighing approximately 125 kilograms, it features advanced guidance systems, including electro-optical sensors, for high accuracy. The weapon has been integrated with platforms like the Jaguar and Su-30 MKI, with plans to equip it on the Dassault Rafale and HAL Tejas MK1A. Three tests were carried out under varying release conditions and ranges, all successful. The DRDO Chairman announced that the SAAW is set for imminent induction into the armed forces, enhancing India’s precision-guided munitions arsenal.

These developments underscore India’s push toward indigenous defence solutions amid regional competition. Both bombs offer cost-effective, accurate, and standoff strike options to engage targets while keeping aircraft beyond enemy air defences. In the ever-evolving landscape of modern warfare, long-range glide bombs have emerged as a transformative technology, blending precision, affordability, and strategic flexibility. These munitions, designed to glide over extended distances to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy, have redefined how militaries project power, neutralise threats, and minimise risks to personnel and assets.

Long-Range Glide Bombs

Long-range glide bombs, sometimes called standoff glide munitions, are unpowered or minimally powered precision-guided weapons that rely on aerodynamic lift to travel extended distances after being released from an aircraft. Unlike traditional free-fall bombs, glide bombs have wings or fins that allow them to glide toward their target, often covering ranges from tens to hundreds of kilometers. They typically incorporate advanced guidance systems—such as GPS, inertial navigation, or laser homing—to ensure accuracy, even against moving or heavily defended targets.

The effectiveness of long-range glide bombs lies in their simplicity and adaptability. A typical glide bomb consists of several key components:-

- Warhead. The explosive payload can range from 100 kilograms to over a ton, depending on the target. Warheads may be high-explosive, bunker-busting, or fragmentation-based.

- Guidance System. Most glide bombs use a combination of GPS and inertial navigation for all-weather accuracy. Some advanced models incorporate laser or infrared seekers for terminal guidance, enabling strikes on moving targets.

- Aerodynamic Surfaces. Foldable wings or fins provide lift, allowing the bomb to glide efficiently. The glide ratio—distance travelled per unit of altitude lost—determines the weapon’s range.

- Control Unit. An onboard computer processes navigation data and adjusts control surfaces to keep the bomb on course.

When deployed, a glide bomb is released at a high altitude (typically 30,000–40,000 feet) and high speed. The launch aircraft’s momentum and altitude provide the initial energy, while the bomb’s wings extend to maximise the glide distance. As it descends, the guidance system corrects its trajectory, ensuring it hits within meters of the intended target. Some systems, like the U.S.’s Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) GBU-39, can achieve ranges exceeding 100 kilometers under optimal conditions.

These munitions bridge the gap between conventional bombs and cruise missiles. While cruise missiles are self-propelled and highly autonomous, they are expensive and complex. Glide bombs, by contrast, are more cost-effective.

Historical Context and Global Developments

The concept of glide bombs dates back to World War II, with early examples like Germany’s Fritz-X, a radio-guided bomb used to attack ships. However, these primitive weapons lacked the range and precision of modern systems. The development of long-range glide bombs gained momentum in the late 20th century as advancements in electronics, aerodynamics, and satellite navigation enabled greater accuracy and standoff capabilities.

The U.S. military’s Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) program, introduced in the 1990s, marked a significant milestone. JDAM kits transform unguided “dumb” bombs into precision-guided munitions by adding tail fins and GPS guidance. While early JDAMs had limited range, subsequent variants like the JDAM-ER (Extended Range) incorporated foldable wings, extending their reach to over 70 kilometers. Other nations, including Russia, China, and European powers, have since developed their glide bomb systems, such as Russia’s KAB-500 series and China’s LS-6 precision-guided bombs.

Recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, have showcased the growing prominence of glide bombs. For example, Russia has extensively used glide bombs like the FAB-500-M62 with UMPK kits, allowing Su-34 and Su-35 aircraft to strike targets from beyond the reach of short-range air defences. Similarly, Western-supplied glide bombs, such as France’s AASM Hammer, have been employed by Ukraine to target Russian positions with high precision.

Strategic Advantages

Long-range glide bombs offer several strategic benefits that make them indispensable in modern warfare:-

- Standoff Capability. Gliding bombs allow aircraft to strike from beyond the range of enemy air defences, reducing the risk to pilots and platforms. This is particularly valuable against adversaries with sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems.

- Cost-Effectiveness. Compared to cruise missiles, which can cost millions per unit, glide bombs are far cheaper. For example, a JDAM-ER kit costs around $20,000–$40,000, making it a budget-friendly option for precision strikes.

- Versatility. Glide bombs can be tailored to various targets, from fortified bunkers to mobile convoys. Modular warheads and guidance systems allow militaries to adapt them for specific missions.

- Mass Deployment. Because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to produce, glide bombs can be used in large numbers to overwhelm defences or saturate key targets.

- Reduced Collateral Damage. Precision guidance minimises unintended destruction, making glide bombs suitable for urban environments or near civilian infrastructure.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite their advantages, long-range glide bombs are not without drawbacks. Their unpowered nature makes them dependent on the launch platform’s altitude and speed, limiting their range compared to powered missiles. Additionally, while GPS guidance is efficient, it can be disrupted by electronic jamming or spoofing, as seen in conflicts like Ukraine, where Russian forces have employed electronic warfare to degrade GPS-dependent munitions. Glide bombs are also vulnerable to advanced air defences if launched within the interceptors’ range. For instance, systems like the Patriot or S-400 can engage glide bombs at certain altitudes and distances.

Global Proliferation and Future Trends

The proliferation of long-range glide bombs is reshaping global military dynamics. Countries like India, Turkey, and South Korea are investing heavily in indigenous glide bomb programs. At the same time, non-state actors and smaller nations seek access to these technologies through exports or reverse-engineering. This democratisation of precision strike capability could complicate future conflicts, enabling asymmetric actors to challenge stronger adversaries.

Future advancements in artificial intelligence and autonomous navigation will likely enhance glide bomb capabilities. AI-driven guidance could allow bombs to adapt to jamming or dynamically select targets in real time. Hypersonic glide bombs, which combine high speed with extended range and are also under development, promise to blur the line between bombs and missiles further.

Conclusion

Strategically, glide bombs shift the balance between offense and defence. By enabling standoff strikes, they challenge traditional air defence paradigms, forcing adversaries to invest in more advanced countermeasures. This arms race could drive up military spending and destabilise regions already prone to conflict.

Long-range glide bombs represent a pivotal evolution in precision warfare, offering militaries a cost-effective, versatile, and low-risk means of projecting power. Their ability to strike from a distance accurately has made them a cornerstone of modern arsenals, from superpowers to emerging nations. However, their proliferation and potential for misuse underscore the need to consider their ethical and strategic implications carefully. As technology advances, glide bombs will likely play an even more significant role in shaping the battlefields of tomorrow, balancing destructive power with the promise of precision.

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Bomb, Missile Or A Fusion? India Turns To Long-Range Glide Bombs That Proved “Effective” In Ukraine War

References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

Pics Courtesy: Internet

Disclaimer:

References:–

Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India. “Successful Flight-Test of Indigenous Glide Bombs ‘Gaurav’ and ‘SAAW'”. PIB, April 11, 2025.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), “DRDO Conducts Successful Trials of ‘Gaurav’ and ‘SAAW’ Glide Bombs”, DRDO, April 10, 2025.

The Hindu, “India Successfully Tests Indigenous Glide Bombs ‘Gaurav’ and ‘SAAW'”, The Hindu, April 12, 2025.

Hindustan Times, “DRDO’s ‘Gaurav’ and ‘SAAW’ Glide Bombs Set for Induction into IAF”, Hindustan Times, April 12, 2025.
Livefist Defence, “Inside India’s Glide Bomb Program: ‘Gaurav’ and ‘SAAW’ Take Flight”, Livefist Defence, April 11, 2025.

Observer Research Foundation (ORF), “India’s Glide Bomb Advancements: Strategic Implications and Regional Dynamics”, ORF, April 2025.

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RAND Corporation. “Emerging Military Technologies in South Asia: Glide Bombs and Beyond.” RAND Brief, 2023.