Air forces turn to low-cost glide bombs for standoff strikes
The US Air Force is exploring unpowered glide bombs to reduce the high costs associated with missile-led military campaigns.
The US Air Force is exploring a new unpowered glide bomb under its Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) programme, according to the Times of India. This move comes as air forces seek more affordable ways to strike targets from a distance during prolonged conflicts.
The proposed ERAM Glide weapon would be in the 500-pound or 250kg class. It is expected to feature a 50kg explosive warhead designed for limited penetration and blast fragmentation. The service has requested information on this option alongside two jet-powered cruise missile variants.
The requirement specifies a glide ratio of at least 10:1, with a target of 15:1. While the Air Force has not provided a specific range, the distance depends on the release altitude and the speed of the aircraft. This follows the existing capability of Boeing's Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER), which can reach approximately 72km.
India is also developing indigenous glide bomb programmes. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on a powered version of the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited. A turbine engine could increase the SAAW's 100km range to about 200km.
The DRDO is also developing the Gautham and the Gaurav family of glide bombs in 500kg and 1,000kg variants. Additionally, the Tactical Advanced Range Augmentation (TARA) guidance kit aims to turn unguided bombs into precision weapons with a 30km range. In the private sector, JSR Dynamics has developed a glide bomb with a range of up to 120km.