India upbeat after successful flight trials of Laser-Guided bombs

India is upbeat after carrying out two successful flight trials of laser-guided bombs at Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on Thursday. The tests were conducted to ascertain the performance of on-board systems. A government press release stated that On-board systems in both the trials worked satisfactorily and the mission objectives have been met.

Bangalore-based Aeronautics Development Establishment (ADE) has developed the guidance kit for 1000lb, laser guided bombs. These are designed to improve accuracy of air-to-ground bombing by Indian Air Force. A number of tests have been performed both through simulation and flight tests over the last few years to reach the required performance levels. Another Dehradoon-based DRDO lab - Instruments Research and Development Establishment has partnered ADE in the project.

The bomb, once released, by the mother aircraft at appropriate range, will seek the target and home on to it very accurately and with high reliability. All the necessary on-board components are sourced from Indian industry. India has been keen on developing laser-guided bombs indigenously after the Kargil conflict. It may be recalled that the laser-guided missiles were used very effectively by IAFs Mirage-2000 combat aircraft to blast fortified bunkers and trenches erected by intruding Pakistani troops who had occupied key Indian positions along the Line of Control, taking advantage of the climatic conditions.