A “high-caliber” bomb was successfully tested by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Sunday at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Ramgarh near Chandigarh.

The test was conducted amid comprehensive security arrangements and strict adherence to established safety protocols, DRDO officials said. Explosive trials have been carried out by TBRL several times in the past. The explosion sound was heard several kilometers away.

Senior Air Force officers were also present, implying that the tested bomb was meant to comprise the warhead for IAF missiles or other air-dropped munitions.

In view of the test, the Panchkula Administration had already issued a high alert and urged residents of nearby villages and habitats to remain indoors on Sunday morning.

As part of the security protocol, special surveillance was maintained in the surrounding areas. TBRL had cautioned that bomb fragments could fly up to a height of 1.5 km and spread over a radius of two km from the detonation site.

A DRDO establishment under its armaments cluster, TBRL is engaged in the ballistics evaluation of warheads and projectiles. It conducts research in the fields of high explosives, detonators, shock waves and assessing the terminal effects of ammunition, and is also involved in evolving data and design parameters for new armaments.

TBRL has been closely involved in India’s nuclear weapons development and missile programmes and is also associated with the Indian Space Research Organisation, evaluating special parachutes and other equipment for the upcoming Gaganyaan manned space mission.

Apart from evaluation and research, TBRL has developed several products such as a baffle range for small arms firing training, hand grenade, liquid armour and non-lethal bullets, obstacle busting devices and specialised ammunition storage facilities. Some of its products and technologies are also used by the para-military forces and the police, as well as civilian agencies.