Maiden Trial of TARA Glide Weapon System

On 7th May 2026, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force successfully carried out the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the Odisha coast.

Key Points

India’s First Indigenous Glide Weapon System: TARA is India’s first homegrown glide weapon capable of converting conventional unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons.
Precision Strike Capability: The system enables accurate engagement of ground-based targets with enhanced precision and operational effectiveness.
Range and Accuracy Enhancement: The modular range extension kit significantly improves the range, lethality, and accuracy of low-cost aerial weapons.
Developed by DRDO Labs: The system was designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) along with other DRDO laboratories.
Industry Participation: The programme was developed in collaboration with Development-cum-Production Partners and Indian defence industries, which have already initiated production activities.
Boost to Indigenous Defence: The successful test strengthens India’s efforts toward self-reliance in advanced weapon technologies under the indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Strategic Importance: The TARA system enhances India’s air-delivered precision strike capability while reducing dependence on imported smart weapon systems.