In a significant advancement in counter-drone technology, Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd (SDAL) has unveiled the low-cost, hard-kill counter-drone system ‘Bhargavastra’. This cutting-edge system is designed to counter the growing threat of drone swarms, offering an effective and lethal solution to neutralise small, hostile drones at distances of up to 2.5 km.
On May 13, the system underwent rigorous testing at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, marking a milestone in its development. During the trials, which were attended by senior officials from the Army Air Defence (AAD), the system performed flawlessly. Three separate tests were conducted, including two single-rocket launches and one salvo of two rockets fired within two seconds. All rockets met the required launch parameters, showcasing the advanced capabilities of Bhargavastra in neutralising drone threats.
The system employs a two-layered approach to combat drone swarms. The first layer consists of unguided micro rockets, which provide a lethal radius of 20 meters, effectively neutralising swarms of smaller drones. The second layer features a guided micro-missile, which has already undergone earlier testing, allowing for precise targeting and destruction of individual drones. This combination ensures both a wide-area defence and pinpoint accuracy, making Bhargavastra a powerful solution for countering large-scale drone attacks.
Designed for versatility, Bhargavastra is built to operate in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions up to 5,000 meters above sea level. This makes it an ideal fit for the varied operational environments faced by the Indian armed forces. Its modular design also provides room for additional soft-kill capabilities, such as jamming and spoofing, to further enhance its effectiveness.
One of the standout features of the system is its radar, capable of detecting minute aerial threats from distances of 6 to 10 km. Complemented by an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite, Bhargavastra ensures precise identification of targets, including those with low radar cross-sections. This combination of long-range detection and high-resolution targeting makes Bhargavastra a formidable air defence tool.
In addition to its primary role of countering drone threats, Bhargavastra is engineered for seamless integration into existing network-centric warfare infrastructure. This ability to work in tandem with other air defence systems enhances its operational flexibility and effectiveness, enabling it to engage targets over longer ranges and in more complex environments.
The development of Bhargavastra underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence technology, in line with the “Make in India” initiative. By developing indigenous solutions like Bhargavastra, India is taking significant steps towards bolstering its air defence capabilities, ensuring that it remains prepared for the evolving nature of modern warfare.
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