The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to strengthen its long-range precision-strike capability as the defence ministry signed a deal for the acquisition of 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW), which can be launched from fighter aircraft to neutralise enemy airfields from stand-off ranges.
The ₹810.79 crore contract, signed on Wednesday, with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) involves 160 SAT-SAAWs along with associated equipment.
The weapon's ability to accurately engage ground targets from distances of up to 90-100 km will add to the IAF's operational capability, allowing fighter aircraft to launch precision attacks from stand-off ranges.
The SAT-SAAW can be launched from aircraft including the Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30MKI, the defence ministry stated in a release.
Why is SAT-SAAW important?
The SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed specifically to neutralise enemy airfields. Weighing 125 kg and measuring 1.85 metres in length, the weapon has a range of up to 90-100 km depending on the conditions under which it is released, according to the company.
Precision is another key feature of the weapon, which is indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with indigenous content of 60 per cent. Its stated accuracy is less than seven metres when using IN-GPS and less than three metres with a seeker.
Its stand-off range and precision give the IAF an additional option for targeting enemy airfields while allowing the launching aircraft to release the weapon from a considerable distance.
The defence ministry said the induction of the SAT-SAAW would enhance the IAF's operational capability to continue unhindered operations and strengthen the country's defence preparedness.
The contract has been placed under the Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
Indigenous subsystems will include the Initial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse and Twin Store Carrier, further contributing to the push for self-reliance in defence.
Deliveries of the 160 SAT-SAAWs and associated equipment are scheduled across 2027-28 and 2028-29.
