India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed the maiden flight trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) modular-range extension kit. The indigenously developed system is designed to convert unguided aerial bombs into precision-guided glide weapons.

The trial was conducted in partnership with the Indian Air Force (IAF), which provided a SEPECAT JAGUAR test aircraft. The kit was designed and developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in partnership with other DRDO laboratories, Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs), and Indian industry.

Production of the range-extension kits is already underway. The systems are intended to enhance the accuracy and stand-off range of low-cost unguided bombs. The IAF is expected to induct the TARA kit in substantial numbers.

TARA is one of several indigenous air-launched precision weapons currently under development by DRDO. Other programmes under development include the 1,000 kg ‘GAURAV’ Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) and the new RudraM-II air-to-surface missile, both of which will be integrated on IAF Sukhoi Su-30 MKI fighters. At least 300 GAURAV LRGBs are planned for induction into IAF service.

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