New Delhi [India], June 17 : In what would be a big success for indigenous weapon systems, the Indian Air Force is looking to acquire an advanced version of the Indigenous Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, which would be fitted on almost the entire fighter jet fleet of the force, including the Su-30 MKI.
A proposal from the Indian Air Force to get the satellite-guided version of the SAAW air launched glide bomb is expected to be discussed by the Defence Ministry soon. This would be able to hit targets with accuracy at 100 Km strike range, defence sources told ANI.
SAAW, an indigenously designed and developed 120 kg class smart weapon developed by DRDO, is capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 kms. The lightweight high precision guided bomb is one of the world-class weapons systems.
SAAW is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad has been developed with an aim of engaging ground enemy airfield assets such as radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, and runways etc.
The stand off weapon is similar to the stand off weapons used in the Balakot air strikes on targets in Pakistan.
The proposal is coming up for discussion at a time when the Indian forces are looking for long range stand off weapon systems and have tasted success in a big way during Operation Sindoor against Pakistani terror and military targets.
The SAAW is one of the successful projects carried out by the DRDO.
The DRDO has also offered the SAAW missiles to the defence forces under the emergency procurement process to equip the forces rapidly for future conflicts.
The Indian Air Force is looking to equip itself with multiple long-range weapon systems, including missiles and other systems.