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Hans India
15-05-2025
- Hans India
India tests drone-killer ‘Bhargavastra' successfully
New Delhi: India has taken a significant step in its counter-drone warfare capabilities with the successful testing of Bhargavastra, a low-cost anti-drone system developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited. Tested recently at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, the system is being hailed as a game-changer in addressing the growing challenge of drone swarms, particularly in the wake of modern conflicts like Operation Sindoor. Developed by the Economic Explosives Ltd, a subsidiary of Solar Group, the Bhargavastra system uses guided micro-munitions capable of destroying small and incoming drones at a range of up to 2.5 km, with radar detection extending up to 6 km. In its recent field trials, the system successfully executed single and salvo-mode launches, achieving all target parameters. Bhargavastra is engineered for deployment across India's diverse geographies, from desert plains to high-altitude mountain regions up to 5,000 meters. It is effective against autonomous drone swarms, which are often resistant to electronic jamming or spoofing. Bhargavastra is not just a single-layer response but a multi-layered counter-drone platform. Its integrated Command-and-Control Centre comes with advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) systems, offering real-time situational awareness. It can be linked to India's broader defence networks, making it viable for network-centric warfare. Its radar system can detect medium to large UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) up to 10 km away, while its Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) capabilities allow precise detection of low RCS (Radar Cross-Section) targets, often used in stealth drone attacks.
Mint
14-05-2025
- Mint
What is Bhargavastra? India's homegrown tech that hunts drones with precision
India has a new answer to the growing menace of unmanned aerial threats with the successful development and testing of 'Bhargavastra', an indigenous, low-cost Counter Drone System inHard Kill mode. Designed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), the system signifies a major leap in the nation's defence capabilities, specifically aimed at countering Drone swarms with precision and cost-effectiveness. The system underwent rigorous live-fire testing at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, where three trials were conducted on May 13 in the presence of senior officials from the Army Air Defence (AAD). Two of these involved the firing of single rockets, while one featured a salvo mode test, launching two micro rockets within just two seconds. All four rockets achieved their intended objectives, validating the technology's reliability and operational readiness. 'Bhargavastra' offers a unified, layered solution for countering aerial threats. Its first line of defence includes unguided micro rockets capable of neutralising drone swarms within a 20-meter lethal radius up to 2.5 km away. The second layer incorporates guided micro-missiles—already tested in earlier phases—for pinpoint accuracy against more complex threats. This dual-layer architecture ensures that both large-scale drone swarms and individual UAVs can be effectively engaged, minimising risk to critical installations and troops on the ground. Engineered for deployment across varied terrains, including high-altitude zones above 5,000 meters, the system is highly modular, allowing for easy integration with jamming and spoofing technologies for a soft-kill layer. Sensors including Radar, Electro-Optical (EO) and RF receivers can be configured as per mission requirements, ensuring compatibility with existing network-centric warfare infrastructure. At the heart of the system is a sophisticated Command-and-Control Centre featuring C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) capabilities. Its radar system can detect even Low Radar Cross-Section (LRCS) drones from 6 to 10 km, while the EO/IR sensor suite ensures high-precision tracking and identification of aerial threats. This integrated setup offers complete situational awareness, enabling operators to detect, evaluate, and neutralise both individual drones and coordinated swarm attacks in real time. According to SDAL, while several global defence players are working on similar systems,Bhargavastra stands out due to its indigenous design, cost-efficiency, and open-source architecture. It is one of the few systems globally to offer multi-layered, hard-kill and soft-kill capabilities specifically tuned for swarm drone neutralisation. The successful development of Bhargavastra is not just a technological breakthrough but also a strategic move in strengthening India's air defence umbrella. It adds a potent, agile weapon to the arsenal of the Indian Armed Forces while reinforcing the Make in India mission through indigenous innovation and manufacturing. As drone warfare becomes a growing concern across conflict zones, Bhargavastra positions India among a select group of nations capable of developing comprehensive, scalable, and effective counter-drone technologies.
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First Post
14-05-2025
- First Post
What is Bhargavastra, India's new counter-drone system?
India has successfully test-fired micro rockets from its counter-drone system, which has been dubbed 'Bhargavastra'. Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), it uses minor rockets to detect and neutralise drones at distances of up to 2.5 km. Here's how the system is a shot in the arm for India's aerial defences read more India has successfully tested an indigenous counter-drone system. Dubbed 'Bhargavastra', the cost-effective system has been created in hard kill mode. Its micro rockets were test-fired on Tuesday (May 13) at the Seaward Firing Range in Odisha's coastal town of Gopalpur. The successful launch comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that led to the Indian Armed Forces' Operation Sindoor. What is this Bhargavastra system and how does it work? Let's understand. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India's 'Bhargavastra' to counter swarm drones Designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Bhargavastra uses minor rockets to detect and neutralise drones at a range of up to 2.5 km. Three trials were carried out for the micro rockets in the presence of senior officials of the Army Air Defence (AAD) on Tuesday. Of this, two trials were conducted by launching one rocket each. In another trial, a salvo of two rockets was fired within two seconds. All four rockets met the required launch parameters, highlighting the system's innovative technology to counter large-scale drone attacks. 'The micro rockets used in this counter-drone system underwent rigorous testing at the Seaward Firing Range, Gopalpur, achieving all designated objectives,' SADL said in a statement. #WATCH | A new low-cost Counter Drone System in Hard Kill mode 'Bhargavastra', has been designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), signifying a substantial leap in countering the escalating threat of drone swarms. The micro rockets used in this… — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2025 How Bhargavastra works The Bhargavastra system deploys unguided micro rockets to neutralise swarms of drones with a lethal radius of 20 metres. The system's second layer of defence is the guided micro-missile, which ensures precise and effective targeting. It has the capability to fire 64 micro missiles simultaneously. The counter-drone system can also include an additional soft-kill layer to include jamming and spoofing for integrated protection. Its radar has a range of 6 to 10 km for locating small aerial threats, reported ANI. As it is a modular system, the sensors and the shooter can be put together as per requirement to provide a layered and tiered air defence (AD) cover, helping in engaging targets at longer ranges. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to SDAL, its indigenous design and development of rockets and micro-missiles will neutralise hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system can also be integrated with the existing network-centric warfare infrastructure. Its electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite ensures accurate identification of low radar cross-section targets. The counter-drone system can be stationed across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions of 5,000 metres and above from sea level, addressing the unique demands of India's Armed Forces. ALSO READ: What is S-400 and Akash system that India used to foil Pakistan's drone assault? Why does it matter? Bhargavastra is a big leap for India's counter-drone technology. 'The Bhargavastra system uses micro rockets to eliminate drone targets and is designed to respond swiftly to large-scale drone threats. The performance of the mini rockets used in this counter-drone system was excellent. It is a strategic leap in counter-drone warfare,' SDAL sources told The New Indian Express (TNIE). The system is a boost to the government's 'Make in India' policy, adding to India's defence capabilities. The rocket tests come at a crucial time for the country. Last week, India and Pakistan were engaged in a military standoff, leading to Islamabad sending swarms of drones along the Indian border areas. India's air defence systems were successful in neutralising the aerial threat, preventing large-scale damage. The Indian Army later revealed that Pakistan sent 300-400 Turkish-made Songar drones along the western border. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This new cost-effective counter-drone system will be helpful in mitigating such aerial threats in future. With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
What is Bhargavastra? India's indigenous system to counter drone swarms
India on Wednesday successfully test fired 'Bhargavastra', an indigenous system to counter the threat of swarm drones in the battlefield. The weapon is seen as a substantial leap in war fighting capabilities as drones dominate modern warfare among nations. The weapon, designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), was tested in a hard-kill mode which uses micro rockets to target incoming drone swarms. A drone swarm in a battlefield refers to a large group of drones that operate together in a coordinated way, often using artificial intelligence (AI), to make decisions and adapt to changing threat perceptions without needing constant human control. These swarms come from different directions to attack enemy installations. While some act as decoys (distraction), other drones continue their offensive actions. Bhargavastra comes with a multi-layered defensive capabilities. The first layer comes with unguided micro rockets with a 20-meter lethal radius to neutralise drone swarms up to 2.5 km. The second one is equipped with guided micro-missiles for precision targeting. It also comes with soft-kill methods like jamming and spoofing enemy drones to distract them away from high-value targets. India's system also has a radar range of 6 to 10 km for detecting small aerial threats. It is also equipped with EO/IR sensors for identifying low radar cross-section drones. Bhargavastra can be deployed across diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas and its modular system allows the configuration of its sensors and launchers per mission need. This mobile system is fully compatible with existing network-centric warfare systems and offers near-simultaneous engagement with enemy drones. The need for an indigenous drone swarm system assumes importance as Pakistan is believed to have used the Turkish-made Kamikaze drones to target India's military installations while responding to New Delhi's Operation Sindoor. Fragments of debris from the Byker YIHA III Kamikaze drones were recovered from several border regions after they were destroyed while in the air by India's air defences.
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Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business Standard
What's 'Bhargavastra', India's new weapon designed to destroy enemy drones?
India has developed a powerful new weapon called 'Bhargavastra', designed to destroy enemy drones, especially those flying in large groups or swarms. The system has been made by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) and is seen a big step forward in protecting the country from drone threats. Successful testing in Odisha The system uses tiny rockets to shoot down drones. On May 13, three successful tests were carried out at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. Two tests were done using one rocket each, and in the third test, two rockets were fired together within two seconds. All rockets hit their targets, showing that the system works well. #WATCH | A new low-cost Counter Drone System in Hard Kill mode 'Bhargavastra', has been designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), signifying a substantial leap in countering the escalating threat of drone swarms. The micro rockets used in this… — ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2025 How 'Bhargavastra' works Bhargavastra can detect and destroy small drones from a distance of up to 2.5 km. It works in two layers: First layer: Uses unguided micro-rockets to destroy many drones at once. Each rocket can take out drones in a 20-meter area. Second layer: Uses guided micro-missiles for accurate attacks on specific drones. The system can also be fitted with jammers and spoofers, which confuse enemy drones, adding an extra layer of protection. Made for Indian conditions Bhargavastra is made in India and works well in all kinds of terrain, including high mountains over 5,000 meters. It can be used by the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The parts of the system, like radars and shooters, can be changed or added based on the mission. Advanced technology inside The system comes with a high-tech command and control centre. It has: Radar that can detect tiny drones from 6 to 10 km away Cameras and infrared sensors to track and identify drones A system that gives a full view of the battlefield, helping operators make quick decisions A big step for 'Make in India' Experts say Bhargavastra is a one-of-a-kind system that many countries are trying to build. This low-cost, multi-layered drone defence system developed in India is the first of its kind to be tested and ready. Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd said the system is a testimony that India can build world-class defence tools on its own.
