The Khagantak missile has quickly become one of the most talked-about weapons in India’s defence arsenal. But what makes it so special? In this DefenceNewsIndia blog, we’ll tell you everything about the Khagantak missile in simple terms—so you understand why it matters, how it works, and what sets it apart from other weapons. Whether you’re a defence enthusiast or just curious, we’re here to help you grasp the story behind this game-changing technology.
What Is the Khagantak Missile?
At its core, the Khagantak missile is a long-range glide bomb designed to strike targets from far away with high precision. Developed in Nagpur by JSR Dynamics with technical support from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), this weapon was first shown to the public at DefExpo 2020 in Lucknow.
But unlike older bombs that drop straight down, the Khagantak uses wings that unfold after release, allowing it to glide silently over long distances. This gives pilots the ability to hit high-value enemy locations from 180 km away, staying safe from enemy air defences.
Why Should You Care About This Missile?
Have you ever wondered how modern air forces hit targets miles away without putting pilots in danger? The Khagantak missile is India’s answer to this challenge. It combines artificial intelligence (AI) with satellite guidance to find and destroy targets with incredible accuracy, right down to a three-metre circle.
This means Indian fighter jets don’t have to fly deep into hostile territory, risking lives or expensive aircraft. Instead, they release the Khagantak long-range glide bomb from a safe height (12 km altitude) and watch it do the rest.
On top of that, it costs almost half as much as many imported alternatives, making it a smart choice for India’s “Make in India” defence initiative.
How Does the Khagantak Missile Work?
Imagine you’re a pilot flying a Su-30MKI. When you spot a radar installation or enemy command centre 180 km away, you release the Khagantak 225 glide bomb. The wings open, and the bomb silently glides toward the target using a smart combination of navigation tools:
- INS/GPS/NavIC (India’s own satellite system) guides it mid-course.
- AI-powered MWIR seeker compares live infrared images to pre-loaded target data during the final seconds, ensuring pinpoint accuracy even if GPS signals are jammed.
Because it has no engine, the Khagantak produces very little heat, making it hard for enemy radar or missiles to detect and intercept.
The Khagantak Missile in Action: Operation Sindoor (April 2025)
The real test came after terrorists attacked tourists in Pahalgam, killing twenty-six innocent people. India’s swift response was Operation Sindoor—a precision strike that showed the Khagantak missile’s true power.
Four Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter jets carried the Khagantak 225 glide bomb and the BrahMos supersonic missile. First, the Su-30s fired BrahMos missiles that destroyed eleven Pakistani air runways, including the heavily fortified Kirana Hills area, home to Pakistan’s nuclear facility.
Then, the Su-30MKI released the Khagantak 243 kg glide bombs from 12 km altitude, flying 180 km to destroy a forward command centre, radar site, and ammunition dump. Fifteen Pakistani soldiers died in these strikes. Post-strike satellite images showed perfect circular craters, proving the Khagantak missile hit exactly where it was supposed to.
Variants and Aircraft Compatibility
The Khagantak missile comes in three variants, each designed for different mission needs:
| Variant | Range | Warhead | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khagantak 225 glide bomb | 180 km | 72 kg blast-fragmentation | Command & control nodes, radar arrays |
| Khagantak 243 kg bomb | 180 km | 108 kg multi-purpose | Point targets, air-defence sites |
| Khagantak 306 glide bomb | 297 km | 146 kg penetrator | Hardened bunkers, runways |
Currently, the missile is integrated with:
- Su-30MKI (2 weapons per outer pylon)
- Rafale F3-R (up to 4 weapons)
- Tejas Mk 2 (planned integration)
Khagantak vs Global Counterparts (at-a-glance)
| SPICE-250 (Israel) | 100 km • 75 kg • EO/IIR seeker, scene-matching, ≈ $0.6 M |
| AASM Hammer 250 (France) | 70 km (glide) • 125 kg • INS/GPS/IR guidance, modular rocket booster option, ≈ $0.8 M |
| GBU-39 SDB-I (USA) | 110 km • 93 kg • INS/GPS, small RCS, fold-out wings, ≈ $0.4 M |
| Hakim XR (UAE) | 170 km • 120 kg • Dual-mode laser/GPS, desert-optimised, price N/A |
Why Khagantak Stands Out
- Longest glide reach in its class (306 km XR).
- AI terminal seeker for ≤ 3 m CEP, resilient to GPS jamming.
- ITAR-free export simplifies sales to partner nations.
- Lower unit cost than most Western equivalents.
Why Is This Important for India and the World?
The Khagantak missile is ITAR-free (not controlled by US export laws), which opens doors for friendly countries in Europe and Asia to buy it without lengthy restrictions. At under $400,000 per unit, it undercuts competitors like Israel’s SPICE-250 and France’s AASM Hammer—both pricier options with shorter ranges.
India’s private sector innovation, combined with retired defence experts and public companies like BEL, has created a cost-effective weapon that delivers on performance and reliability.
What’s Next for Khagantak?
Upgrades are already in the pipeline:
- Two-way data link for in-flight retargeting
- Anti-ship capabilities
- Swarm technology to overwhelm enemy defences
These features will further boost the missile’s versatility and battlefield impact.
FAQ: Quick Answers About the Khagantak Missile
1. How far can the Khagantak missile travel?
Standard variants reach 180 km; the extended-range (XR) variant flies up to 297 km.
2. Which aircraft carry the Khagantak missile?
Currently, Su-30MKI and Rafale; Tejas Mk 2 is next in line.
3. What guidance systems are used?
INS/GPS with backup from India’s NavIC, plus an AI-powered MWIR seeker for terminal accuracy.
4. What warheads do the variants carry?
From 72 kg blast-fragmentation to 146 kg penetrator, depending on mission needs.
Conclusion
The Khagantak missile is a shining example of India’s defence innovation and self-reliance. Its long-range glide bomb design, AI precision, and cost-effectiveness proved critical during Operation Sindoor, marking a new era in India’s ability to strike targets safely and accurately from afar.
As global interest grows, the Khagantak missile family—225, 243, and 306 variants—stands ready to take its place among the world’s best precision weapons. For India, it’s a proud step forward in the “Make in India” journey, showing how homegrown technology can shape the future of warfare.
Which Khagantak variant interests you the most—and why? Let’s discuss in the comments!