The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for 160 Satellite Smart Anti Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) and associated equipment for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The contract is worth ₹810.79 crore.
The contract was signed in New Delhi on September 23, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The procurement comes under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, covering indigenously designed, developed and manufactured products.
The contract adds another indigenous weapon system to the IAF’s inventory. It also supports domestic defence manufacturing through BDL and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
SAT-SAAW Developed for Long-Range Precision Strikes
SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb. The system can be launched from platforms including the Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI.
The weapon is designed to engage enemy airfields from a long stand-off range. This allows the launching aircraft to release the weapon from a distance rather than approaching the target directly.
DRDO has designed and developed the SAT-SAAW system in India. The weapon will have 60% indigenous content. The programme will also include further indigenisation of key subsystems.
These include the Initial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse and Twin Store Carrier. The move is aimed at increasing domestic content across the weapon system and supporting indigenous defence manufacturing.
SAT-SAAW Deliveries to Begin From 2027-28
BDL will deliver the 160 SAT-SAAW systems between 2027-28 and 2028-29. The weapons will subsequently be inducted into the Indian Air Force.
The contract also covers associated equipment required for the system. Its induction is expected to add to the IAF’s operational capabilities and support its ability to undertake air operations.
For BDL, the order adds to its role in manufacturing and supplying indigenously developed defence systems. For DRDO, the contract provides a production pathway for a precision-guided weapon developed in India.
The procurement also forms part of the wider push for indigenous defence production. By placing the order under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category and including 60% indigenous content, the programme links operational requirements with domestic design and manufacturing capabilities.
With deliveries scheduled over 2027-28 and 2028-29, the SAT-SAAW programme will add a new indigenous precision-strike capability to the IAF while expanding the domestic defence manufacturing base.
