IAF Ready to Induct Indigenous Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, Enhancing Precision Strike Capability
In a significant step towards India's defence indigenization, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to induct the indigenously designed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW). Designed from scratch by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the advanced munition marks a historic milestone towards India's path to autonomous precision strike capability.
Weighing 125 kilograms, the SAAW is an air precision-guided standoff weapon that can target and destroy enemy airfield infrastructure such as runways, hardened shelters, radar installations, and other high-value airfield features — all within a range of up to 100 kilometers, without threatening pilot safety.
In contrast to traditional bombs that need to bring aircraft into enemy territory, the SAAW gives the IAF a unique tactical advantage and allows attacks from well beyond enemy air defences. The standoff capability not only increases IAF assets' survivability but also substantially boosts the chances of mission success during high-threat missions.
Since its first test in 2016, the weapon has been through a series of successful developmental trials, including major launches from Su-30MKI fighter aircraft at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha in 2017. DRDO scientists highlight its high accuracy, sophisticated navigation system, and robust resistance to electronic warfare — aspects that give it an edge over conventional gravity-based munitions.
Equipped with a high penetration depth and a powerful high-explosive warhead, the SAAW is specifically designed for attacking fortified enemy positions. The SAAW will be integrated with several frontline combat platforms like the Su-30MKI, Jaguar, Dassault Rafale, and HAL Tejas Mk1A in plans, and this will considerably enhance the IAF's long-range offensive potential.
Sanctioned in 2013 with a budget of ₹56.58 crore initially, the acquisition of the weapon was sanctioned in 2020 for the Indian Air Force and Navy alike as a recognition of its cross-service strategic value.
Its induction fits into the IAF's modernization master plan that seeks to increase the force to 42 squadrons by the year 2035 and have a credible forward deployment of more than 450 fighter aircraft along the borders with China and Pakistan.
Defence experts greet the SAAW as a revolutionary acquisition, boosting India's air lethality, multiplying strategic choices in war, and curbing high-risk missions. Apart from its tactical significance, the SAAW is the celebration of the surging success of the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme, demonstrating DRDO's transformation in creating sophisticated, cutting-edge military technologies for new-age warfare.
Read more:
DRDO to Showcase Indigenous Defence Innovations at Paris Air Show 2025
.jpg)
0 Comments