MoD Signs ₹811 Crore Contract with BDL for 160 SAT-SAAW Weapons for IAF

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to buy 160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons (SAT-SAAW) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal was signed on September 23, 2026, in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

What Does the MoD's ₹811-Crore Contract with BDL Contain?

The contract is worth ₹810.79 crore, which is roughly ₹811 crore. It covers 160 SAT-SAAW units along with their associated equipment. The purchase comes under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, which means the weapon is indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured in India. Delivery will be done in two phases, between 2027-28 and 2028-29.

What Is SAT-SAAW?

1. SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb. 
2. It can destroy enemy airfields from a long stand-off range, so the aircraft can release it from a safe distance without going deep into enemy territory. 
3. It can be launched from Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI aircraft. 
4. The weapon has been designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

How Is the MoD–BDL Contract Helpful for IAF?

Airfields are among the first targets in any conflict, because damaging runways and aircraft stops the enemy's air operations. SAT-SAAW gives the IAF a reliable way to strike such targets accurately.

160 Satellite Smart Anti-Airfield Weapons

The induction of 160 SAT-SAAW will improve the operational capability of the IAF and help it carry out missions without interruption. It will also strengthen the country's overall defence preparedness.

Major Boost to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'

The system will have 60% indigenous content. Sub-systems like the Inertial Measurement Unit, Long Impact Delay Fuse and Twin Store Carrier are also being indigenised. This reduces dependence on imports and supports self-reliance in defence manufacturing.