India Successfully Tests Bhargavastra: Indigenous System to Counter Drone Swarms

India has successfully test-fired Bhargavastra, an indigenous advanced weapon system designed to counter the increasing threat of drone swarms in modern warfare. Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Bhargavastra integrates hard-kill and soft-kill technologies, allowing precise targeting and neutralization of enemy drone swarms. This multi-layered system marks a significant enhancement in India’s defence capabilities, especially in protecting critical infrastructure and military installations.

Why in News?

The test firing of Bhargavastra comes at a crucial time when drone swarms are becoming a dominant feature in battlefield strategies worldwide. With recent hostile drone incursions reported near India’s borders, especially from Pakistani-operated drones, India’s indigenous solution reflects its readiness to tackle evolving aerial threats. The successful trial demonstrates India’s technological edge and commitment to strengthening national security.

Aim and Objectives

• To develop an indigenous system capable of detecting, targeting, and neutralizing hostile drone swarms.
• To integrate hard-kill and soft-kill methods to ensure versatile defence against drones.
• To provide a mobile, adaptable system deployable across varied terrains, including high-altitude regions.
• To enhance India’s network-centric warfare capabilities by enabling near-simultaneous engagements.

Background

• Drone swarms consist of multiple drones operating in coordination, often leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous mission execution.
• These swarms pose complex threats by attacking from multiple directions, including the use of decoy drones to confuse defenders.
• Pakistan has reportedly used Turkish-made Kamikaze drones targeting Indian military sites, highlighting the urgent need for advanced counter-drone systems.

Features and Specifications

• Hard-kill mode: Employs unguided micro rockets with a lethal radius of 20 meters, capable of neutralizing swarms up to 2.5 km away.
• Guided micro-missiles: For precision strikes on high-value targets within drone swarms.
• Soft-kill methods: Includes jamming and spoofing technologies to mislead enemy drones and divert attacks.
• Detection: Radar range between 6 to 10 km, combined with EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) sensors to detect low radar cross-section drones.
• Mobility: Configurable modular system adaptable to mission requirements and terrains, including difficult high-altitude areas.
• Fully compatible with existing network-centric warfare systems.

Significance

• Marks a major step in self-reliant defence technology for India.
• Enhances protection of strategic military assets and infrastructure from advanced aerial threats.
• Improves battlefield situational awareness and rapid response to coordinated drone attacks.
• Reinforces India’s capability in modern warfare dominated by emerging drone technologies.