India pushes indigenous development of 1000-kg aerial bombs to boost air power

In a major step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence has accelerated the indigenous design and development of advanced 1000-kg aerial bombs for the Indian Air Force. The move aims to reduce dependence on foreign imports while strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The upcoming indigenous bomb is being seen as equivalent to the widely used Mark 84 bomb, known for its high destructive capability against hardened targets such as bunkers and strategic infrastructure.

The Indian version is expected to deliver similar impact, capable of neutralising large enemy targets with precision.

The Defence Ministry has already floated an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the project, under which around 600 such bombs will be manufactured and procured domestically. The project will include tail units and other critical components, ensuring complete indigenous production and boosting Indian defence companies.

Key features and capabilities

These high-calibre aerial bombs are designed to fragment automatically upon detonation, ensuring maximum damage to the target area. They are expected to be compatible with both Russian and Western-origin aircraft currently operated by the Indian Air Force.

Boost to fighter jet capabilities

The induction of these bombs will significantly enhance the strike capabilities of frontline fighter jets like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. Until now, India relied on foreign suppliers for such heavy munitions, but this project is set to simplify logistics and improve operational readiness.

Defence experts believe the indigenous bombs will not only be more cost-effective but also better suited to India’s specific operational requirements, marking a crucial leap in the country’s journey towards defence self-sufficiency.