Pakistan is poised to strengthen its presence in the international defense market with the introduction of the AZB-81LR, an innovative precision-guided weapon. Developed by Qaswa Industries, this small-diameter guided bomb is currently undergoing testing. According to a report by Intelligence Online dated January 20, 2025, it may soon be presented to the Pakistan Air Force and integrated into Turkish and Chinese weapon systems. This initiative directly addresses the rising global demand for precision-guided munitions, akin to the glide bombs deployed by the United States in Ukraine.
The AZB-81LR employs an advanced guidance system that combines global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) with imaging infrared (IIR) sensors, achieving a high precision of three meters circular error probability (CEP).
Unveiled at the IDEAS-2024 exhibition, the AZB-81LR is designed to engage targets over 200 km away. Classified as a stand-off weapon (SOW), it is tailored to meet modern operational requirements where accuracy and range are critical. Its compatibility with Turkish and Chinese systems highlights Pakistan’s strategy to expand technological collaborations and strengthen strategic partnerships.
The AZB-81LR employs an advanced guidance system that combines global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) with imaging infrared (IIR) sensors, achieving a high precision of three meters circular error probable (CEP). This level of accuracy minimizes collateral damage, making it suitable for strategic strikes.
The bomb also incorporates low observability (LO) technology to reduce its radar signature and benefits from enhanced autonomy enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These advancements allow it to operate effectively in complex electronic warfare environments, including scenarios involving communication or data-link jamming. Its autonomous capabilities are especially crucial for swarm missions, where multiple bombs can coordinate strikes in real time through intelligent algorithms.