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Runway Eraser: How India's SAAW Can Cripple Pakistani Airbases With 100-Km Strike Range, Pinpoint Accuracy
photoDetails english 2915699 Updated:Jun 13, 2025, 10:57 PM IST What is SAAW?
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SAAW is a 125-kg class long-range, stand-off, air-to-surface weapon capable of neutralizing enemy runways, bunkers, and radars from a safe distance of up to 100 km. Developed by DRDO's Research Centre Imarat, it combines lightweight design with heavy-hitting capability—an ideal blend for modern aerial warfare. The high precision guided bomb is light weight as compared to weapon system of the same class. The weapon was earlier successfully test fired from Jaguar aircraft. Impressive Specs
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With a compact length of just 1.85 metres, SAAW delivers impressive performance. It features inertial navigation (INS) coupled with GPS guidance for high accuracy—striking targets within 7 metres, and even better (<3m) with seeker-based guidance. Its standoff range and precision reduce the risk to launch platforms while maximizing mission effectiveness. Multi-Platform Launch
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Initially tested with Jaguar and Su-30MKI aircraft, the SAAW's compatibility was further extended to HAL's indigenously upgraded Hawk-i trainer jet. In 2021, a milestone was achieved when SAAW was successfully test-fired from the Hawk-i off the Odisha coast, marking the first smart weapon launch from an Indian Hawk-Mk132 platform. (Pic: X/@VivekSi85847001) Eight-for-Eight
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The SAAW underwent rigorous developmental trials, with eight successful test firings completed by August 2018. Conducted at the Chandan range, the weapon was validated under three different scenarios using live warheads—demonstrating its reliability and consistency across varying conditions. (Pic: X/@ReviewVayu) Seeker-Equipped Evolution
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To further boost strike accuracy and expand mission profiles, DRDO has developed a seeker-equipped variant of the SAAW. This advanced version offers terminal guidance using Electro-Optical or Imaging Infrared technology, allowing precision attacks on even mobile or partially obscured targets. (Pic: X/@Amitraaz) Strategic Edge
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SAAW adds a crucial edge to the Indian Air Force's capability to strike hardened airfield assets deep inside hostile territory like that of Pakistan and China —without crossing borders. Its indigenous development aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, strengthening India's strategic autonomy and modern warfare readiness.
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