"Fast is fine,
accuracy is everything," said Wyatt Earp (an
American lawman in the American West). The deadly package of speed, accuracy, and agility is precision
guided munitions (PGMs), which have proven their mettle since WW2 and are still
being used in various forms, revolutionising warfare! So, integrating these
into countries' arsenals is not just beneficial; it is essential for future
readiness. PGMs are smart munitions that can carry out precision strikes on
intended targets, minimising collateral damage using an onboard guidance
system.
Understanding PGMs
Historically, armed
conflicts around the globe used large amounts of unguided bombs to take on
enemy targets. However, as technology progressed, the introduction of PGMs
changed the game. These munitions use various guidance systems like GPS, laser
or infrared to hit targets with pinpoint accuracy, thereby significantly
increasing the probability of a successful strike while minimising unintended
effects on surrounding areas. This also reduces the number of ordnance a
platform needs to carry to destroy a target.
The strategic
implementation of PGMs offers numerous tactical advantages. Foremost among
these is the ability to engage high value critical targets without the need for
large scale deployments. This is particularly relevant for countries like
India, which faces a multi-front security environment involving both
conventional and asymmetric threats.
PGM development in
India
The Country's premier
defence research organisation, the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO), has made significant strides in developing PGMs. Various
projects have been initiated to fulfil the needs of the Indian Air Force.
Recently private players have shown great interest in this field, coming up
with solutions for drone based PGM, guidance kits and the production of systems
developed by DRDO.
Furthermore, PGMs from
other nations, such as the United States, Russia, Israel and France have
bolstered India’s capabilities. One such significant example is the usage of
the "Spice-2000" guided bomb developed by Rafael Advanced System,
Israel was used by IAF in the Balakot airstrike.
Key projects
-Sudharshan, a 450 kg
laser guide bomb developed by DRDO labs. IAF inducted it in a limited quantity.
-PGHSLD is an add-on
GPS/INS guidance kit for High-Speed Low Drag (HSLD) bombs. Currently, the kit
can be retrofitted to the existing unguided 450 kg bomb available with IAF inventory
to convert it to a smart guided bomb. This increases the forward throw of the
bomb from 10 km (unguided bomb) to 30 km when released from 10 km altitude at
0.85 Mach with an accuracy of 30m (only GPS-INS) and 3 m (with laser seeker).
-Gaurav, a 1000 kg
glide bomb developed by DRDO lab ARDE, has a standoff precision
strike capability and a range exceeding 80km. It is currently
undergoing trial and will be mass produced by private players.
-Smart Anti-airfield
weapon (SAAW) is an air-launched smart glide bomb developed by DRDO lab RCI. It
has an engagement range of up to 100 km and capable of destroying enemy
airfield assets like radars, bunkers, taxi tracks, runways and fuel depots with
pin-point accuracy The weapon system is under induction by Armed Forces and is
being mass produced by BDL.
-ULPGM is a UAV launched
air-to-ground missile, capable of destroying static and moving targets.it is
equipped with an imaging infrared seeker for guidance. This system has
currently received an LSP order which will be executed by BDL and Adani
Defence.
Many such projects are
under active development, with little information available to the public.
Future prospects
Evolving battlefields
and technological breakthroughs have made PGMs evolve from guided munitions to key elements in
network centric warfare. The integration of datalink onboard has
changed the use case scenario, which raised the system's niche capability to operate in a physical
environment while being operated virtually
and to change the target mid-course.
Future PGMs will be
deployed from unmanned platforms which are coordinated by various manned and
unmanned systems in the surrounding, which will drastically reduce the target
identification, tracking and engagement time. This includes a network enabled
precision guided munition that interfaces with battlefield systems. Effective
information exchange among delivery and ISR platforms, satellite assets and C2
structures will be vital for accurate and precise mission execution. Meanwhile,
growth in electronic warfare systems has made avionics onboard PGMs capable of
withstanding electronic attacks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, precision
guided munitions are significantly influencing the future of military operations
in recent global conflicts. However, given India's unique geographical
challenges, these munitions may not be a universally effective solution in all
scenarios. Growth in AI and machine learning might help train the onboard
computer to understand and work precisely in these complex terrains. A
substantial advancement in this area would enhance Indian military’s relevance
on the global stage while maintaining strategic balance in the area!
Article
by: D. Rethik (Twitter/X: @Rethik_D)
Photos:
Vayu Aerospace Review