Indian Air Force to Operationalize Indigenous Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to operationalize the domestically developed Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW), marking a major advancement in the nation's defense autonomy and aerial strike capabilities. Completely engineered by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this advanced 125 kg precision-guided munition is intended to target and incapacitate enemy airfields, runways, bunkers, and vital infrastructure from a secure distance of up to 100 kilometers.

The SAAW provides a strategic advantage by allowing IAF fighter jets to engage high-value targets without the necessity of entering hostile airspace. This not only enhances pilot safety but also boosts mission effectiveness during combat operations. Since its initial trial in 2016, the weapon has successfully undergone numerous testing phases, with significant trials conducted using Su-30MKI aircraft at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha in 2017. DRDO representatives have emphasized the weapon's exceptional precision and robustness against environmental disruptions, making it more dependable compared to traditional gravity bombs.

With its deep penetration capability and high-explosive warhead, the SAAW is crafted for substantial impact against fortified targets. Plans are underway for its integration across various aircraft platforms including the Dassault Rafale, HAL Tejas Mk1A, Su-30MKI, and Jaguar, which will significantly boost the IAF's strike capabilities. Originally sanctioned in 2013 with a budget of ₹56.58 crore, the weapon's acquisition was approved for both the Air Force and Navy in 2020, highlighting its strategic importance for multiple military branches.

The introduction of SAAW coincides with the IAF's modernization plans, which aim to expand its capacity to 42 squadrons by 2035 and maintain a strong force of 450 fighter aircraft along the borders with Pakistan and China. Defense experts view the SAAW as a critical asset, offering enhanced tactical flexibility and reduced vulnerability in contested areas. Its successful development underscores the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by demonstrating the DRDO’s advancing prowess in precision strike systems and emerging aerospace technologies.