DRDO, IAF complete maiden flight-trial of TARA glide weapon off Odisha coast
Synopsis
India has successfully tested TARA, its first indigenous glide weapon system capable of converting unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions — a low-cost force multiplier that could reshape how the IAF approaches ground-strike missions. With production already under way, the milestone signals a meaningful leap in India's self-reliant defence ambitions.
Key Takeaways
DRDO and the IAF conducted the maiden flight-trial of the TARA glide weapon off the coast of Odisha on 8 May 2025 .
TARA is India's first indigenous modular range extension kit that converts unguided warheads into precision-guided weapons.
The system was developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad along with other DRDO laboratories and private industry partners.
Production activity has already commenced through Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) and Indian industries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noted DRDO has transferred 2,200 technologies to industry and that over ₹4,500 crore of the defence R&D budget has been utilised by industry, academia, and start-ups.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully conducted the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) weapon system off the coast of Odisha on 8 May 2025, the government announced on Friday. TARA is India's first indigenous glide weapon system designed to convert unguided warheads into precision-guided munitions.
What TARA Is and Why It Matters
TARA is a modular range extension kit developed to enhance the lethality and accuracy of low-cost weapons, enabling them to neutralise ground-based targets with precision. According to a Defence Ministry statement, it is the first glide weapon in India to utilise state-of-the-art low-cost guidance systems — a significant step toward making precision strike capabilities more affordable and scalable for the armed forces.
The system was designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories. Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) and several Indian private industries have already commenced production activity, indicating the programme is advancing beyond the prototype stage.
Official Reactions
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, DcPP, and the industry partners for the successful trial, describing it as a significant milestone in advancing India's indigenous defence capabilities. Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also extended congratulations to the teams involved in the flight-trial.
Broader Push for Indigenous Defence R&D
The TARA trial comes amid a wider government emphasis on self-reliance in defence technology. Rajnath Singh this week noted that DRDO has already transferred 2,200 technologies to various industries, while addressing the inaugural session of the three-day North Tech Symposium organised by the Indian Army's Northern and Central Commands and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers in New Delhi.
Singh highlighted that 25 per cent of the defence R&D budget has been allocated to industry, academia, and start-ups. To date, these entities have collectively utilised over ₹4,500 crore of that allocation, underscoring growing private-sector participation in India's defence ecosystem.
What Comes Next
With production activity already under way through DcPP and Indian industry partners, TARA is expected to move toward induction into the IAF's arsenal in the coming phases. The successful maiden trial positions India among a select group of nations capable of fielding indigenous low-cost precision glide weapons, a capability that carries significant strategic value in modern air warfare. Further trials and evaluation rounds are likely before formal induction.
Point of View
The pipeline looks more credible than past programmes — but the clock on strategic utility starts only when TARA is cleared for combat use.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TARA weapon system tested by DRDO and IAF?
TARA, or Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation, is India's first indigenous modular glide weapon kit that converts unguided warheads into precision-guided munitions. It was successfully flight-tested off the coast of Odisha on 8 May 2025 by DRDO and the Indian Air Force.
Who developed the TARA glide weapon?
TARA was designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad, along with other DRDO laboratories and Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) from Indian private industry, which have already begun production.
Why is the TARA weapon significant for India?
TARA makes precision strike capability more affordable by upgrading existing unguided bombs rather than procuring expensive purpose-built guided munitions. It positions India among nations with indigenous low-cost precision glide weapon technology, reducing dependence on imports.
What did Defence Minister Rajnath Singh say about the TARA trial?
Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the IAF, DcPP, and industry partners, calling the maiden trial a significant development in advancing India's indigenous defence capabilities. He also noted that DRDO has transferred 2,200 technologies to industries and that over ₹4,500 crore of the defence R&D budget has been utilised by industry, academia, and start-ups.
When will TARA be inducted into the Indian Air Force?
No formal induction date has been announced. With production activity already under way, further trials and evaluation rounds are expected before TARA is cleared for operational use by the IAF.
