Military Aircraft Procurement Missile Systems & Strategic Weapons

India tests low-cost TARA glide-bomb capability and a modular guidance kit for precision on gravity munitions

India has conducted the first test flight of its Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) locally developed weapon, extending the reach of low-cost gravity bombs. Separately, Elbit Systems’ released footage shows the Indian Air Force testing the REST (Range Extension & Smart Tail) precision-guided kit on Jaguar strike aircraft.

Discovered 2026-05-10T18:51:11.692045-07:00 | 2026-05-10T18:51:11.692045-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

The cluster points to a shift toward cheaper, modular precision-strike architectures: New Delhi is pairing range-augmentation and guidance tail kits so air forces can turn gravity munitions into extended-range, more accurate weapons through test-backed integration.
For India’s force-modernisation plan, these developments signal munitions-focused capability building alongside platform upgrades such as the IAF’s Su-30MKI modernization approved under a $25bn defence package and broader acquisition momentum discussed across recent programs like the MRFA Rafale buy.

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