The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly enhance its strike capabilities with the acquisition of the advanced Indigenous Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW) for its fighter jet fleet. This move aligns with India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative, emphasizing indigenous defense production and reducing reliance on costly foreign arms. The IAF's proposal to procure the satellite-guided version of the SAAW air-launched glide bomb is expected to be reviewed by the Defence Ministry soon.
The SAAW, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a 125 kg class smart weapon designed to precisely engage ground targets at a range of up to 100 kilometers. This lightweight, high-precision guided bomb is designed to neutralize enemy airfield assets, including runways, taxi tracks, radars, bunkers, and aircraft hangars. The weapon's ability to strike targets with a high degree of accuracy from a safe distance minimizes the exposure of pilots and aircraft to enemy air defenses.
Developed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other laboratories and the IAF, the SAAW project was initially sanctioned in September 2013. The weapon underwent successful testing between 2016 and 2021 from various aircraft, including the Jaguar, Su-30 MKI, and Hawk-I. These tests validated both satellite navigation-based and electro-optical (EO)/Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker-equipped configurations, the latter being a first for India in this class of weapon.
The SAAW's integration with multiple IAF platforms, including the Rafale and Tejas MK1A, enhances its operational flexibility. The Su-30 MKI, for example, can carry a significant number of SAAW units, enabling devastating salvo strikes against enemy airfields. The integration of indigenous missiles and bombs on Rafale jets signifies a major leap in India’s journey toward defense self-sufficiency. This move empowers the armed forces with battle-proven, cost-effective weapons and strengthens the domestic defense ecosystem through collaborations, production, and technology transfer.
The latest version of the SAAW is equipped with an Electro-Optical (EO) seeker, giving it the ability to engage moving targets, a feature that significantly broadens its operational scope beyond static infrastructure. The weapon's aerodynamic design, featuring foldable wings, enables it to glide efficiently toward its target, conserving energy while maximizing reach. This capability makes the SAAW a versatile tool for both the IAF and the Indian Navy's carrier-based operations.
The acquisition of the SAAW and other indigenous weapon systems is part of a broader effort to modernize the Indian Air Force and achieve full indigenous inventory by 2047. This includes the procurement of additional LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters, Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), and the development of indigenous missile systems such as the Astra Mark 2 and 3. The IAF is also focused on the long-term maintenance and lifecycle support of these systems.
By combining one of the world's most advanced fighter jets with homegrown weapon systems, India is setting a precedent in blending foreign platforms with indigenous innovation—making its military both modern and self-reliant.
