India has marked a significant advancement in counter-drone technology with the successful testing of the indigenously developed system, Bhargavastra. Designed and built by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), the counter-drone solution was tested at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. The test comes amid rising global concerns over the threat posed by drone swarms and follows recent border escalations with Pakistan, during which drone incursions were reported.
Bhargavastra is a low-cost, modular counter-drone system developed to meet the evolving threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It operates using a “hard kill” strategy and offers both unguided and guided munitions to destroy hostile drones. During the latest trials on May 13, SDAL conducted three successful launches under the observation of senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officials. The first two trials involved the firing of individual unguided micro-rockets, while the third employed salvo mode, firing two rockets within two seconds. All four rockets met performance benchmarks, validating the system’s readiness for operational deployment.
Dual-Layer Defence with Advanced Situational Awareness
Bhargavastra provides a two-tier neutralisation mechanism. The first layer consists of unguided micro-rockets capable of neutralising drone swarms within a 20-metre lethal radius, with an effective engagement range of up to 2.5 kilometres. The second layer, a guided micro-missile system tested earlier, enables precise targeting for drones that evade the initial defence. SDAL noted that the system’s flexibility allows it to function in varied and extreme terrains, including high-altitude zones above 5,000 metres.
The system is highly modular and can integrate an additional soft-kill layer that uses electronic jamming and spoofing to disable or misguide UAVs. This makes Bhargavastra one of the most versatile counter-drone systems globally, tailored to provide comprehensive defence against diverse aerial threats.
Integration with Modern Warfare Infrastructure
Bhargavastra is equipped with a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre leveraging advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) architecture. The system’s sensor suite includes configurable radar capable of detecting small, low radar cross-section drones at distances between 6 to 10 kilometres. It also includes an Electro-Optical Infrared (EO/IR) sensor package for accurate visual tracking and target identification, ensuring maximum precision even under complex combat conditions.
These features combine to offer real-time situational awareness, allowing rapid detection, threat evaluation, and engagement of aerial targets, whether singular drones or coordinated swarm attacks. The system’s components are designed for seamless integration with existing network-centric warfare systems, offering a unified, responsive shield across all branches of the Indian armed forces.
‘Make in India’ Push Gains Momentum
According to its developers, Bhargavastra is not only a cost-effective solution but also a technological benchmark in the global defence landscape. While other nations are exploring micro-missile-based counter-drone systems, Bhargavastra stands out with its layered defence capability, modular design, and open-source architecture. It is, as SDAL puts it, a “feather in the cap” of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, representing a strategic push toward self-reliance in high-tech defence systems.
In the current global security climate, where drones are increasingly weaponised for surveillance and strikes, the successful test of Bhargavastra positions India as a capable innovator in counter-UAV technology. It also sends a strong signal of deterrence to adversaries and underlines India’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority in the aerospace and defence domain.
