Days after an intense 4-day conflict with Pakistan, India on Wednesday successfully tested an indigenous counter-drone system called "Bhargavastra", marking a major advancement in tackling emerging aerial threats such as drone swarms.
The successful trial of the indigenous system comes in the backdrop of Pakistan using drones to target Indian cities during an escalating conflict last week.
Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), the low-cost system is designed to neutralise large-scale drone incursions using a Hard Kill Mode and was tested at the Seaward Firing Range in Odisha's Gopalpur.
Sources told ANI that the system’s micro rockets achieved all mission objectives during three trials conducted on May 13, in the presence of senior officials from Army Air Defence (AAD).
Two trials involved the firing of one rocket each, while the third tested salvo mode, with two rockets launched within two seconds. All four rockets met the required launch parameters, validating the system’s capability to deliver a powerful, swift response to aerial threats.
Multi-Layered Defence
‘Bhargavastra’ offers a unified solution to counter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) threats. It features a two-tier kill mechanism:
* The first layer deploys unguided micro rockets capable of eliminating drone swarms within a lethal radius of 20 metres, with an engagement range of up to 2.5 km.
* The second layer, already tested earlier, consists of a guided micro missile designed for pinpoint accuracy.
SDAL highlighted that the system is modular and terrain-adaptable, capable of operating even in high-altitude regions exceeding 5,000 metres. This makes it particularly suited to the operational needs of the Indian armed forces.
In addition to its hard-kill capability, Bhargavastra can be equipped with an optional soft-kill layer involving jamming and spoofing technologies, providing a comprehensive and integrated counter-drone shield.
Situational Awareness
The system features configurable sensors, including Radar, Electro-Optical (EO) and RF Receivers, allowing it to be tailored to user requirements. These components work together to deliver layered and tiered air defence coverage, with the ability to engage aerial targets at extended ranges.
Integrated with a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre using C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) infrastructure, Bhargavastra’s radar can detect low radar cross-section (LRCS) aerial targets from 6 to 10 km. The EO/IR sensor suite further ensures precise visual tracking and threat assessment.
It provides a comprehensive situational awareness overview, enabling operators to evaluate and counter individual drones or entire swarms.
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Developers said that while many countries are pursuing micro-missile-based counter-drone systems, no other system globally has yet achieved the multi-layered, cost-effective, and modular capabilities that Bhargavastra offers, particularly in neutralising swarm drone threats.
Its open-source architecture allows for seamless integration with existing network-centric warfare systems, making it a flexible solution for all branches of the armed forces.
Describing the successful test as a "feather in the cap" for the 'Make in India' initiative, SDAL called it “a progressive step in further strengthening our already robust Air Defence umbrella.”
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