Maiden flight of India's TARA glide weapon off Odisha coast

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force have conducted the maiden flight-trial of the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) glide weapon off the Odisha coast on May 7. TARA is described as India's first indigenous glide weapon system, capable of converting conventional unguided warheads into precision-guided munitions for accurately engaging ground-based targets. The test underscores the push toward affordable, self-reliant defence technology.

According to officials, the modular range extension kit for TARA has been designed and developed by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) along with several other DRDO laboratories. The system aims to extend range, enhance lethality and improve accuracy of low-cost aerial weapons. The development programme has been undertaken in collaboration with development-cum-production partners and a broad network of Indian industries, which have already begun production activities for the weapon system.

Defense leaders lauded the test as a significant milestone toward strengthening India's indigenous defence capabilities and self-reliance in advanced weapon systems. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force and the industry partners for the successful maiden flight-trial, while the DRDO's leadership also acknowledged the scientists, engineers and teams involved in the effort.

Experts say TARA could offer stand-off capability and cost advantages, complementing other precision-strike options while keeping final payloads cheaper than some fully guided systems. If further trials prove successful, TARA could enter broader production as part of India's broader push to modernize air power with domestically developed solutions.

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