The integration of Long-Range Glide Bombs would significantly enhance the stand-off strike capability of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI jets. This would allow these aircraft to engage targets from a safe distance, effectively keeping them beyond the reach of enemy air defences and minimising the risk of interception or damage, according to defence experts.
LRGBs will offer the following advantages to the Su-30MKIs, Commander Rahul Verma (Retd) told Sputnik India on Tuesday.
Precision strike capabilities: These bombs, equipped with guidance systems, enable highly accurate strikes on strategic ground targets from long ranges.
Stand-off range: The Su-30MKI can release glide bombs from a safe distance (outside the range of enemy air defenses), reducing the risk of being intercepted or hit.
Cost-effective solution: Compared to missiles, glide bombs are generally cheaper and easier to produce, allowing the air force to conduct more strikes without the high cost associated with missile systems.
Low radar signature: Glide bombs often have lower radar cross-sections, making them harder for enemy radars to detect.
Versatility: Equipped with these bombs, the Su-30MKI is capable of engaging a wide range of target types, including bunkers, troop concentrations, and, in some variants, even moving targets.
It is important to highlight that Indian Su-30MKI combat aircraft are already equipped with BrahMos, the fastest supersonic missile in the world. Additionally, these aircraft are set to be armed with the anti-radiation missile Rudram-II in the near future.
The glide bombs are unpowered munitions that "glide" toward their target after being released from the aircraft. They rely on aerodynamic lift and momentum to reach their destination and use guidance systems (such as GPS or laser) to ensure precision and are most effective against stationary or slow-moving targets, Verma noted, explaining the difference between LRGBs and missiles.
In contrast, missiles are powered munitions equipped with their own propulsion systems—either rocket or jet engines—which enable them to reach high speeds, often exceeding the speed of sound (as seen with the BrahMos missile, for example, which can fly at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3). These munitions exhibit high maneuverability and can effectively engage both moving and stationary targets. Additionally, missiles like the BrahMos feature larger warheads and have longer ranges compared to glide bombs.
The defence guru stressed that missiles, such as the BrahMos, achieve supersonic speeds, whereas glide bombs depend on gravity and aerodynamic forces, resulting in slower speeds.
Furthermore, he noted that missiles are generally more expensive and complex due to their advanced propulsion systems and guidance technology, while glide bombs are simpler and more cost-effective.
"In short, while glide bombs provide a cost-effective, long-range strike capability, missiles like Rudram-II and BrahMos offer superior speed, range, and maneuverability but come at a higher cost. The combination of these weapons on the Su-30MKI provides tactical flexibility, allowing the aircraft to engage a broad spectrum of targets depending on mission requirement," Verma stated.
These bombs, equipped with advanced guidance systems, enable precise targeting, make them invaluable in strategic operations against fortified or high-value ground targets, defence journalist and author Aritra Banerjee highlighted in a conversation with Sputnik India.
"The arming of the Su-30MKIs with LRGBs increases the overall versatility of these aircraft, enabling them to engage a variety of targets, from hardened bunkers to mobile formations, reinforcing their position as a multirole fighter in the Indian Air Force's inventory," he stressed.
While glide bombs and missiles both serve essential roles in modern air warfare, they differ significantly in terms of functionality and tactical applications. Missiles are generally more manoeuvrable, with the capability to alter their trajectory mid-flight, making them suitable for engaging both stationary and mobile targets, Banerjee underscored.
Missiles typically carry larger warheads and have longer ranges than glide bombs, providing a distinct advantage when dealing with high-value or time-sensitive targets that require immediate elimination. However, this capability comes at a higher cost and complexity due to the propulsion systems and advanced guidance technologies involved, he underlined.