India has successfully tested its first indigenously developed micro-missile system, designed to counter the growing threat of swarm drones. Named ‘Bhargavastra,’ the multi-layered counter-drone system was tested at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges on January 12 and 13. The system successfully hit designated virtual targets over 2.5 kilometres away, showcasing a cost-effective and innovative solution to neutralize large-scale drone attacks.
Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Group, Bhargavastra is equipped with cutting-edge capabilities, including detecting even small, incoming drones at a range of over 6 kilometres. It neutralizes threats using guided micro-munitions, ensuring precision and effectiveness. The system, which can be mounted on mobile platforms for rapid deployment, is designed to operate seamlessly across diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas, to meet the unique operational needs of India’s armed forces.
A One-Stop Solution for UAV Threats
In a statement, the company highlighted Bhargavastra’s versatility, stating, “EEL has indigenously designed and developed the micro-missile for the multi-layer counter-drone system Bhargavastra to deliver hard kills against enemy UAVs at an affordable cost. An additional soft-kill layer is being integrated to make the system a comprehensive solution for all UAV threats. The system can also be integrated with the existing network of armed forces for network-centric warfare.”
The system features a Command-and-Control Centre equipped with advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technology. Its radar can detect medium to large UAVs up to 10 kilometres away and small drones at a range of 6 kilometres. An Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system also ensures precise detection of low Radar Cross-Section (RCS) targets. Bhargavastra provides a situational awareness overview and can evaluate whether to neutralize individual or swarms of enemy drones.
World-Class Innovation
According to the developers, Bhargavastra is engineered to perform effectively across India’s varied terrains, from deserts to mountainous regions, up to altitudes of 5,000 meters above sea level. The system is particularly effective against swarms of autonomous drones, which are resistant to traditional jamming or spoofing techniques.
Notably, the Bhargavastra system represents a breakthrough in counter-drone technology. Open-source information suggests that while a few advanced nations are developing similar micro-missile systems, a multi-layered counter-drone platform with swarm neutralization capabilities like Bhargavastra has not been deployed anywhere in the world.
Next Steps Toward Induction
The recent tests were witnessed by senior Army officials and marked a significant milestone in the system’s development. With these successful trials, Bhargavastra is poised to undergo more exhaustive testing later this year. These evaluations will pave the way for its eventual induction into the armed forces, bolstering India’s defence capabilities against evolving drone threats.
Team BharatShakti