India to test indigenous 500kg bunker-busting bomb in coming months

India's defence establishment is preparing to test an indigenously developed 500-kilogramme bunker-busting bomb designed to penetrate fortified underground structures. The PGB-500 precision-guided bomb will undergo trials mounted on Su-30MKI combat aircraft, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force jointly overseeing the evaluation.

The trials are scheduled for September-October, marking a significant step in India's efforts to develop advanced indigenous defence systems. The 500kg warhead is specifically engineered to target hardened bunkers and heavily fortified installations, addressing a key capability gap in the country's aerial arsenal.

Upon successful completion of the test programme, the PGB-500 is expected to be inducted into the armed forces, further strengthening India's operational capabilities. The development reflects India's broader push towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on imported weapon systems.

The Su-30MKI, India's primary air superiority fighter, has been identified as the platform for integrating this precision-guided munition, demonstrating the integration of advanced indigenous weaponry with existing combat platforms.