In response to the evolving threats posed by drones in modern warfare, India has unveiled the ‘Vajra Shot,’ a cutting-edge handheld anti-drone gun capable of detecting and disrupting drones at a range of up to four kilometers. This innovative technology was showcased during the ‘Swavlamban 2024’ seminar organized by the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) in Delhi.
Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi inspected the ‘Vajra Shot,’ developed by Big Bang Boom Solutions, which has already been deployed in both the Indian Army and the Air Force. Ravi Kumar, representing the company, explained, “We are focused on anti-drone solutions with the ‘Vajra Shot.’ This lightweight gun not only detects drones from a distance but can also jam their communication systems.”
The ‘Vajra Shot’ has been designed with portability in mind, making it user-friendly for soldiers in the field. It features advanced radar technology that can identify drones from up to four kilometers away and disrupt the radio signals between drones and their operators. Unlike traditional radio jammers, this gun can adapt its output frequency, enhancing its effectiveness against various drone models.
During his visit to the exhibition, Admiral Tripathi expressed his satisfaction with the innovations showcased by young Indian entrepreneurs. The seminar featured approximately 115 stalls from various agencies, including the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and Border Security Force (BSF).
The urgency for effective anti-drone solutions has been underscored by recent global conflicts, particularly the use of semi-autonomous and autonomous drones in the Russia-Ukraine war and other hotspots, which have altered military strategies worldwide. Former Deputy National Security Advisor of the U.S., Nadia Schadlow, highlighted the need for constant attention to the shifting landscape of warfare influenced by technological advancements.
In light of the increased reliance on drone technology, retired Lt. General Sunil Srivastava emphasized the necessity for robust countermeasures. Speaking at the maiden NDTV Defence Summit, he noted, “Both Russia and Ukraine have established drone ecosystems, leading to high attrition rates. Mass production of drones, often without thorough evaluation, poses significant challenges to traditional counter-jamming systems.”
With the ‘Vajra Shot,’ India aims to enhance its defense capabilities in an era where drones play a pivotal role in military engagements, ensuring that the armed forces are well-equipped to tackle these emerging threats.
Sources By Agencies