DRDO Successfully Tests TARA Weapon System

• Extend strike range

• Improve targeting accuracy

• Reduce risk to aircraft

Glide weapons are considered important stand-off weapons in modern warfare.

What Are Stand-Off Weapons?

Safer Long-Range Attacks

Stand-off weapons allow combat aircraft to attack targets from safer distances.

This means aircraft can remain outside enemy:

• Radar range

• Air defence zones

• Immediate threat areas

Such systems improve pilot safety and mission effectiveness.

TARA is designed for these kinds of precision strike missions.

Role of DRDO

Indigenous Defence Development

Defence Research and Development Organisation developed the TARA system through its Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.

Other DRDO laboratories and Indian industry partners also supported the project.

DRDO was established in:

• 1958

It works under the Ministry of Defence.

DRDO develops:

• Missiles

• Aircraft systems

• Defence electronics

• Military technologies

Production Activities Already Started

Indian Industry Participation

Production work for TARA has already started.

This involves:

• Development cum Production Partners (DcPP)

• Indian defence industries

The project supports:

• Indigenous manufacturing

• Defence self-reliance

• Private sector participation

It also supports the “Make in India” initiative in defence production.

Jaguar Aircraft and the Trial

Combat Aircraft Used for Testing

The trial used a Jaguar combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

The Jaguar is:

• A twin-engine aircraft

• Used for ground attack missions