India has successfully tested ‘Bhargavastra’, an indigenously developed counter-drone system, at the Seaward Firing Range, Gopalpur (Odisha). Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), this system is designed to detect and destroy drone swarms, marking a significant achievement under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Key Highlights
- Test Location: Gopalpur, Odisha
- Developer: Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL)
- Oversight: Trials witnessed by senior officials from Army Air Defence (AAD)
- Trials: 3 successful rocket trials conducted
System Features & Capabilities
Dual-Layer Defence Architecture:
| Layer | Capability | Technology Used |
| 1st Layer | Neutralises drone swarms within 2.5 km, lethal radius of 20 meters | Unguided micro rockets |
| 2nd Layer | Targets high-precision UAVs | Guided micro-missiles (previously tested) |
Command and Control Capabilities:
- C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) integration
- Radar Range: Detects low radar cross-section (LRCS) drones from 6–10 km
- EO/IR Sensors: Tracks and identifies aerial threats with precision
- Situational Awareness: Real-time evaluation and neutralisation of both single drones and swarm attacks
Deployment Versatility:
- Operable across high altitudes (>5,000 meters) and varied terrains
- Highly modular: Integrates with soft-kill systems like jamming & spoofing
- Sensors: Includes Radar, Electro-Optical (EO), and RF receivers customizable to mission needs.
Strategic & Global Significance
- Drone Threat Context:
- Drone swarms used in Russia-Ukraine conflict
- Pakistani drone deployment during India’s Operation Sindoor counter-terror operation
- Indian forces effectively neutralised incoming drones during this operation
- Global First:
- Among the few globally with multi-layered hard-kill & soft-kill drone swarm defence
- Open-source architecture offers scalability and adaptability
- Combines cost-efficiency with cutting-edge indigenous tech
Make in India & Defence Modernisation
- Indigenous Innovation: 100% Indian design and development by SDAL
- Boost to Air Defence: Adds an agile, scalable system to India’s defence arsenal
- Strategic Edge: Positions India among elite nations capable of tackling swarm-based drone threats effectively