Bhargavastra Counter-Drone System: Drones have become a big part of modern war, and India is now putting more focus on making its own drone and anti-drone systems. In this effort, Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd. has shown its indigenous Bhargavastra system. The company demonstrated it at its Nagpur facility for the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force. Recent reports say the system was also shown in full form to armed forces representatives and that it is being developed under the Army’s Make-II route.
Bhargavastra is meant to be a low-cost hard-kill answer to drone threats. That means it is not just trying to jam drones or confuse them. It is built to physically destroy them. The system is designed to handle both single UAVs and large swarms, which is important because drone attacks and surveillance flights have become a growing problem along India’s borders and around sensitive targets.
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How does the System Works?
The system brings together several layers of detection and attack. It uses a command, control, communication and intelligence setup, along with radar, EO/IR sensors and passive radio frequency sensors. Reports say its radar can detect UAVs up to 10 km away. The company also says the system can work in deserts, plains and high-altitude areas, including locations up to 5,000 metres above mean sea level.
For the attack side, Bhargavastra uses indigenously made unguided rockets and precision micro-missiles in a layered format. One recent report says the system can fire a salvo of 64 micro-missiles against drone swarms. The same report says the current range is 2.5 km, while an upgraded version is being developed to reach 6 km. The system is being readied for user trials, with Army trials expected by October or earlier.
Bhargavastra Significance in India
Bhargavastra is important because it gives India a home-made answer to a fast-growing threat. Drones are now being used for spying, attacks and even swarm-style operations, so a system that can track and destroy them quickly has clear value for the armed forces. The company says the design can also fit into the C4I networks of the Indian military, which would help with future network-linked operations.
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The company has called it one of the world’s first fully integrated, vehicle-mounted, multi-layered counter-swarm drone systems with dedicated swarm-neutralisation ability. Earlier this year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the system and said it shows the strength of India’s private defence sector.
