India successfully tests homegrown ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-swarm drone system

India successfully tested ‘Bhargavastra’, a local low-cost counter drone system in hard kill mode, at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha, on Tuesday, just days after a ceasefire deal with Pakistan after a fierce 4-day clash. Designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Bhargavastra represents a significant advancement in combating the rising danger of drone swarms.

The micro rockets employed in this counter-drone system were subjected to thorough testing in Gopalpur. Three tests were carried out for the rocket at Gopalpur on May 13, attended by senior officials from the Army Air Defence (AAD). According to the news agency ANI, two tests were carried out by launching a single rocket each time.

A trial was performed by launching two rockets in salvo mode in two seconds. According to the report, all four rockets operated as anticipated and met the necessary launch specifications, highlighting its advanced technology in countering extensive drone assaults. The Bhargavastra is designed for rapid drone interception to ensure a confirmed hard kill utilizing small, guided missiles with swarm engagement features. This solution provides mobile defense against drone assaults with nearly simultaneous targeting of multiple drones.

Highlights of ‘Bhargavastra’:

Multi-layered defence:

Layer 1: Unguided micro rockets with a 20-meter lethal radius to neutralise drone swarms up to 2.5 km.

Layer 2: Guided micro-missiles for precision targeting, already successfully tested.

Optional layer: Soft-kill methods like jamming and spoofing for integrated protection.

Advanced detection and targeting:

• Radar range of 6 to 10 km for detecting small aerial threats.
• Equipped with EO/IR sensors for identifying low radar cross-section drones.
• Offers complete situational awareness to engage single or multiple threats.

Terrain adaptability and modularity:

• Designed for deployment across diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas.
• Modular system allows configuration of sensors and launchers per mission need.

Indigenous design:

• Fully compatible with existing network-centric warfare systems.
• Indigenously developed, enhancing Make in India and self-reliance in defence.