IAF conducts first trial of Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb | Jaipur News
Jaisalmer: The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the first flight trial of the Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb, releasing the weapon from a Su-30MKI fighter at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Jaisalmer district Wednesday.The trial marks a milestone for the IAF and the Indian defence industry. The indigenous weapon is designed to enable fighter aircraft to engage targets from considerable stand-off distances, allowing them to remain outside the effective range of enemy air defence systems.Glide bombs can be used for precision strikes against targets such as airfields, runways, hardened aircraft shelters, command centres and other high-value military installations.An Air Force official said the trial met all its objectives and would strengthen India’s indigenous strike capabilities while reducing dependence on imported precision-guided munitions.According to officials, the Khagantak-243 can reportedly cover 144 km to 180 km when released from an altitude of around 12 km at Mach 0.8. Its stand-off range allows fighter aircraft to launch the weapon from a safer distance, potentially targeting key enemy assets without penetrating heavily defended airspace.The IAF has initially tested the Khagantak-243 from the Su-30MKI, while plans are underway to integrate it with MiG-29K and Mirage-2000 fighter aircraft.The development comes amid the IAF’s growing focus on long-range stand-off weapons.
