India has successfully tested its homegrown low-cost counter-drone system, ‘Bhargavastra’, at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. The trials were conducted on May 13, just days after India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire following an intense four-day border conflict. The test marks a significant advancement in India’s drone defence capabilities.
The Bhargavastra system, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), is designed to neutralise hostile drone swarms through hard-kill measures. It uses micro-rockets and guided missiles to destroy aerial threats in real time, providing mobile, rapid-response protection to ground forces and strategic assets.
According to reports from news agencies, the micro rockets underwent three field trials in the presence of senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officials. Two of the tests involved single rocket launches, while the third trial demonstrated salvo mode, firing two rockets within two seconds. All four rockets met performance expectations, validating the system’s technological readiness and capability.
Bhargavastra is a multi-layered counter-drone solution engineered to intercept and destroy multiple drones simultaneously. It integrates both hard-kill and optional soft-kill methods for maximum flexibility and efficacy in drone defence.
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Key Highlights:
Layered Defence:
- Layer 1: Unguided micro rockets with a 20-meter lethal radius, effective up to 2.5 km for neutralising drone swarms.
- Layer 2: Guided micro-missiles for high-precision targeting, already tested successfully.
- Optional Layer: Soft-kill options like electronic jamming and spoofing to complement kinetic defence.
Advanced Detection and Targeting:
- Radar with a detection range of 6 to 10 km for spotting small aerial threats.
- Equipped with EO/IR sensors for identifying drones with low radar cross-sections.
- Provides comprehensive situational awareness for real-time engagement of multiple aerial targets.
Mobility and Modularity:
- Designed for high-altitude and varied terrains.
- Modular setup enables customisation of launchers and sensors based on mission requirements.
Indigenous and Network-Compatible:
- Fully integrated with India’s network-centric warfare systems.
- 100% indigenously developed, supporting the Make in India initiative and bolstering self-reliance in defence technology.
The Bhargavastra system is expected to play a vital role in defending critical military infrastructure and forward positions, particularly in border areas where drone incursions have emerged as a growing threat.
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