Archive · 2 Sep 2026
India Tests Indigenous Khagantak-243 Long-Range Glide Bomb
The Khagantak-243 is a large bomb that can travel a long distance after being dropped from an aircraft.
It is called a glide bomb because it uses wings or aerodynamic lift instead of an engine.
The bomb can reportedly travel more than 140 kilometers when released from high altitude.
Navigation systems help guide it toward its target.
This allows a fighter jet to drop the bomb without flying directly over the target.
Staying farther away can help protect the aircraft from enemy air defenses.
Indian companies are helping develop and produce the weapon.
The successful test was an important milestone, but it does not by itself prove that the bomb is already fully operational.
The Indian Air Force tested the indigenously designed Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb.
The 300-kilogram-class weapon reportedly has a range exceeding 140 kilometers when released from about 12,000 meters.
It uses aerodynamic lift, inertial navigation, and satellite-based navigation to reach its target without an onboard engine.
The weapon is designed for fighter-aircraft integration, including with the Su-30MKI.
JSR Dynamics and Bharat Electronics Limited are involved in development, systems, electronics, guidance, and production arrangements.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force, with involvement from JSR Dynamics and Bharat Electronics Limited, conducted the trial.
- What
- A trial drop of the indigenously developed Khagantak-243 long-range glide bomb was successfully completed.
- When
- September 2, 2026, according to the Indian Air Force announcement cited in the article.
- Where
- The article does not specify where the trial took place.
- Why
- The trial supports India’s development of domestic stand-off precision weapons and gives fighter aircraft the potential to strike targets from a safer distance.
- Weapon
- Khagantak-243 long-range precision-guided glide bomb
- Weight class
- 300 kilograms
- Reported range
- More than 140 kilometers
- Reported release altitude
- Around 12,000 meters
- Guidance
- Inertial Navigation System and satellite-based navigation
- Aircraft integration
- Designed for fighter aircraft, including the Su-30MKI
- Industrial partners
- JSR Dynamics and Bharat Electronics Limited
- Operational status
- A successful trial was reported, but full operational service was not established by the article