In a significant advancement in defense technology, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully developed and tested a low-cost, hard-kill counter-drone system named ‘Bhargavastra’.
The counter-drone system signifies a substantial leap in countering the escalating threat of drone swarms.
The micro rockets used in this counter-drone system underwent rigorous testing at the Seaward Firing Range, Gopalpur, achieving all designated objectives.
Three trials were conducted for the rocket at Gopalpur on May 13 in presence of senior officials of the Army.
Two of the trials involved firing a single rocket each, while the third trial showcased a salvo mode launch, firing two rockets within just 2 seconds.
According to SDAL, all four rockets performed as expected, achieving the desired launch parameters and demonstrating the system’s capabilities in neutralising large-scale drone threats.
The counter-drone system, ‘Bhargavastra’, demonstrates the capability to detect small aerial vehicles at ranges exceeding 6 km and neutralise them using guided micro munitions.
The Bhargavastra system features a simultaneous launch capability of over 64 micro missiles.
The new micro-missile system can engage targets beyond 2.5 km, demonstrating an economical solution against large-scale drone attacks that pose a continuous security challenge.
Highlighting Bhargavastra’s adaptability and cost-effectiveness, SDAL emphasised its indigenous design and the development of dedicated rocket and micro-missiles to neutralise hostile UAVs. The system is modular and can have an additional soft-kill layer to include jamming and spoofing.
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Designed for seamless deployment across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions of 5,000 metres and above from sea level, the system addresses the unique operational demands of India’s armed forces.
