MoD Signs ₹810.79 Crore SAT-SAAW Contract with BDL for IAF – 27 September 2026

What happened

The Ministry of Defence 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 at a cost of ₹810.79 crore. The deal is under the Buy (Indian – IDDM) category and was signed in New Delhi on 23 September 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

SAT-SAAW is an air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb designed by DRDO for long stand-off strikes on enemy airfields. Launch platforms include Jaguar, Hawk and Su-30 MKI. Indigenous content is targeted at about 60%. Deliveries are scheduled across 2027–28 and 2028–29.

Background

SAAW is part of India’s push for indigenous precision munitions. BDL is a defence PSU specialising in missiles and guided weapons. IDDM category prioritises Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured systems.

Why it matters for exams

Weapon name, developer (DRDO), manufacturer (BDL), cost and IDDM category are classic defence Prelims facts.

Key facts for exams

• Contract value: ₹810.79 crore
• Quantity: 160 SAT-SAAW for IAF
• Manufacturer: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Designer: DRDO; ~60% indigenous content targeted
• Category: Buy (Indian – IDDM)
• Platforms: Jaguar, Hawk, Su-30 MKI
• Delivery window: 2027–28 and 2028–29

Practice MCQs

1. SAT-SAAW procured in September 2026 is primarily which type of weapon?

   (A) Ballistic missile
   (B) Air-to-ground precision-guided glide bomb
   (C) Naval torpedo
   (D) Anti-tank guided missile

   Answer: (B) – PIB describes it as an air-to-ground precision guided glide bomb.

2. Which PSU signed the SAT-SAAW contract with MoD?

   (A) BEL
   (B) HAL
   (C) Bharat Dynamics Limited
   (D) GRSE

   Answer: (C) – The contract is with BDL.

3. SAT-SAAW was indigenously designed by:

   (A) ISRO
   (B) DRDO
   (C) ADA only
   (D) BARC

   Answer: (B) – PIB credits DRDO design and development.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2313942