![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
In a major stride towards securing its airspace from the growing threat of drone swarms, India has successfully conducted the second test of its indigenously developed anti-drone weapon system — Bhargavastra. Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, the system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial threats, including those posed by drone-heavy adversaries like China and Turkey.
The test, conducted on May 13 at a classified high-altitude range, marks a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence technology under the Make in India initiative. Bhargavastra is being hailed as a game-changer — a cost-effective, modular system capable of both hard and soft kills against complex drone swarms.
Built for the Modern Battlefield
What makes Bhargavastra stand out is its dual-layered kill mechanism: a combination of unguided micro-rockets with a 20-meter lethal radius and precision-guided micro-missiles capable of intercepting targets up to 2.5 kilometres away.
The system boasts an integrated suite of long-range detection (up to 10 km for large UAVs and 6 km for smaller drones), EO/IR targeting, and advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) capabilities. It is designed for full mobility and can operate effectively across diverse terrain — from deserts to altitudes exceeding 5,000 meters.
In addition to kinetic strikes, Bhargavastra employs soft-kill techniques like electronic jamming, offering a comprehensive, layered approach to drone defence.
A Strategic Signal to Drone-Dependent Adversaries
The second successful test sends a clear message to India’s adversaries, particularly Pakistan, China, and Turkey — the latter two known to have supplied swarm drones to Pakistan. These drones have increasingly been used to infiltrate Indian airspace and aid terrorist activity.
With Bhargavastra, India now possesses a home-grown, real-time counter-swarm capability that effectively bridges a critical gap in its military preparedness.
“India has not just caught up; we’re setting the pace,” said a senior DRDO official present at the test. “A system like Bhargavastra — combining speed, precision, and adaptability — is rare even on the global stage.”
Read Also: https://bharatshakti.in/solar-group-tests-indias-first-indigenous-micro-missile-drone-system-bhargavastra/
What’s Next?
Following its initial test in January at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges, Bhargavastra has undergone multiple successful trials, including simulations against high-speed electronic targets mimicking real-world UAV threats. Additional evaluations are scheduled later this year, ahead of formal induction into the armed forces.
Experts believe Bhargavastra’s modular architecture and cost-efficiency will allow for rapid deployment — both along the borders and in urban defence networks — at a fraction of the cost of imported systems.
As India moves towards a future dominated by unmanned threats, Bhargavastra stands as a bold assertion of its technological and strategic autonomy.
Team BharatShakti
