A new indigenous counter-drone system, ‘Bhargavastra,’ has successfully passed its test trials, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities against the growing threat of drone swarms. Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL), Bhargavastra is a low-cost, hard-kill counter-drone solution designed to neutralize small, hostile drones effectively.
The test, conducted at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur on May 13, involved a series of rigorous trials, overseen by senior officials from the Army Air Defence (AAD). During the test, three trials were conducted to assess the system’s performance. Two trials involved the launch of a single micro rocket, while one trial saw the launch of two rockets in rapid succession, within a two-second window. All four rockets successfully met the expected launch parameters, demonstrating the system’s precision and effectiveness in countering drone threats.
Advanced Technology to Combat Drone Swarms
Bhargavastra is equipped with cutting-edge technology, offering both detection and neutralization capabilities for incoming drones up to a range of 2.5 kilometers. The system is designed to use micro rockets as the first line of defense, capable of eliminating drone swarms within a lethal radius of 20 meters. The second layer of defense involves guided micro-missiles, which have already been tested and ensure pinpoint accuracy when engaging specific targets.
The system has been designed for easy deployment across a range of terrains, including high-altitude regions of 5,000 meters and above sea level. This adaptability makes Bhargavastra a versatile solution for India’s diverse operational needs.
A Cost-Effective and Modular Solution
One of the standout features of Bhargavastra is its cost-effectiveness and modularity. The system is engineered for integration with other air defense infrastructure, allowing for a layered and tiered defense strategy. It can also be customized with a soft-kill layer that includes jamming and spoofing capabilities to enhance its counter-drone abilities further.
Bhargavastra’s radar system has been designed to detect aerial threats from a range of 6 to 10 kilometers. In addition, its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite ensures precise identification of even low radar cross-section targets, making it a highly efficient and accurate countermeasure against a wide array of drone-based threats.
Strengthening India’s Air Defense Capabilities
The successful test firing of Bhargavastra is seen as a major step forward for India’s indigenous defense development. It is a prime example of the country’s growing capabilities in the defense sector, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative, which seeks to reduce dependence on foreign defense imports while promoting indigenous manufacturing and technology development.
With the global threat of drone warfare increasing, Bhargavastra’s development will help strengthen India’s air defense umbrella, offering a reliable, advanced, and homegrown solution to counter this emerging threat.
This test-fire is another feather in the cap for India’s defense sector, showcasing the country’s innovation and determination in developing cutting-edge technology to safeguard its borders and airspace.
Sources By Agencies