The Indian Ministry of Defence has launched an initiative for the indigenous design and development of a 1,000-kg aerial bomb, similar to the Mk-84, to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) capabilities and promote self-reliance in defence, known as 'Aatmanirbharta'. The project will be executed in two phases: the first phase involves the design and development of six prototypes, while the second phase will begin with a commercial Request for Proposal (RFP) to qualifying development agencies. The Ministry has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for this project under the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, aiming to procure 600 aerial bombs under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category. The proposed bomb is designed to be compatible with both Russian and Western-origin aircraft currently in service with the IAF. The project is expected to achieve a minimum of 50% indigenous content and will take approximately 2.5 years from the issuance of the EoI to contract signing, including prototype development and user trials. Eligible Indian entities, including private industries, can participate, with provisions for foreign collaboration under specific conditions.