MoD inks ₹811 crore contract for 160 SAT-SAAW glide bombs for IAF

The Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹810.79-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited to procure 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force.

Contract signed in New Delhi

The contract was signed on Wednesday in New Delhi under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, according to the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was present when the agreement was signed, the Ministry said.

The SAT-SAAW package is expected to enhance the IAF’s stand-off precision strike capability.

What the weapon is designed to do

The SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb meant to strike and neutralise enemy airfields from stand-off range.

The weapon can be launched from Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.

Designed and developed by the DRDO, the system will have an indigenous content of 60%.

The programme also envisages further indigenisation of critical sub-systems, including the Initial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse, and Twin Store Carrier.

Deliveries and defence production push

Deliveries are scheduled between 2027-28 and 2028-29.

The Ministry said the SAT-SAAW would enhance the IAF’s operational capability and contribute to self-reliance in defence production.

The contract links an operational requirement for precision strikes from stand-off range with the Ministry’s stated push for indigenous design, development and manufacturing in defence procurement.

Source: The Hindu