SAT-SAAW

History

SAT-SAAW, or Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon, is an Indian precision-guided air-to-surface glide bomb developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation for the Indian Air Force. It is the satellite-navigation-guided production configuration of the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon family.

The weapon is intended for stand-off attacks against enemy airfields and other fixed reinforced targets. Supported launch platforms include the SEPECAT Jaguar, BAE Systems Hawk Mk 132, and Sukhoi Su-30MKI.

The Indian Air Force acquired quantities of SAT-SAAW weapons in 2021. On 23 September 2026, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth INR 8.11 billion with Bharat Dynamics Limited for 160 additional SAT-SAAWs and associated equipment. Deliveries are scheduled between fiscal years 2027–28 and 2028–29.

Design

SAT-SAAW is a 125 kg-class glide weapon designed to be released from combat aircraft at stand-off distance. The weapon has a stated length of 1.85 m and a range of up to approximately 90–100 km depending on release conditions.

Guidance is provided by an inertial navigation system supported by satellite-navigation updates. The SAT-SAAW configuration does not require a terminal imaging seeker to complete an engagement. The weapon is intended for fixed targets including runways, bunkers, hangars, and other reinforced structures.

The weapon can carry either a high-explosive penetration-cum-blast warhead or a blast-fragmentation warhead developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Armament Research and Development Establishment.

The 2026 production order specifies 60% indigenous content. Indigenised subsystems include the inertial measurement unit, long-impact-delay fuse, and twin-store carrier.

Program status

As of September 2026, SAT-SAAW is an acquired Indian Air Force weapon with a further production batch on order. Bharat Dynamics Limited is scheduled to deliver the 160 weapons and associated equipment during fiscal years 2027–28 and 2028–29.

Operators

• India: Indian Air Force. Quantities were acquired in 2021, and a further 160 weapons were ordered in September 2026.

Specifications (SAT-SAAW)

General characteristics

• Type: Precision-guided air-to-surface glide bomb
• Mass: 125 kg
• Length: 1.85 m
• Guidance: Inertial navigation system with satellite-navigation updates
• Launch platforms: SEPECAT Jaguar, BAE Systems Hawk Mk 132, and Sukhoi Su-30MKI

Performance

• Range: Up to approximately 90–100 km, depending on release conditions
• Accuracy: Less than 7 m with inertial and satellite navigation guidance

Warhead

• Warhead options: High-explosive penetration-cum-blast or blast-fragmentation