Key Points
- India’s homegrown counter-swarm drone system, Bhargavastra, successfully test-fired at Gopalpur’s Seaward Firing Range on May 13, 2025.
- Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Bhargavastra is a modular, low-cost, hard-kill system designed to neutralize hostile drone swarms.
- The system uses unguided micro rockets (20m lethal radius) as the first defence layer and guided micro-missiles for pinpoint accuracy as a second layer.
- Capable of detecting and eliminating drones up to 2.5 km away; radar can track aerial threats from 6–10 km.
- Designed for deployment across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions above 5,000 meters.
- Integrates advanced C4I technology and can be customized for layered air defence coverage for all armed forces branches.
New Delhi: India has achieved a significant milestone in defence technology with the successful testing of its indigenous counter-swarm drone system, Bhargavastra, at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. Developed by Nagpur-based Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Bhargavastra is engineered to tackle the rising threat of hostile drone swarms-a challenge that has become increasingly urgent in modern warfare, as seen in recent conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and in cross-border incidents involving Pakistan.
How Bhargavastra Works: Multi-Layered Defence Against Drone Swarms
Bhargavastra stands out for its modular, cost-effective, and indigenous design. The system employs a two-layered “hard kill” approach:
- First Layer: Unguided micro rockets, each with a lethal radius of 20 meters, are launched to intercept and neutralize multiple drones in swarm formations. During the recent trials, three test firings were conducted-two single-rocket launches and one salvo of two rockets fired within two seconds. All four rockets met or exceeded performance benchmarks, demonstrating the system’s ability to rapidly respond to large-scale drone incursions.
- Second Layer: A guided micro-missile, tested earlier, provides pinpoint accuracy for neutralizing drones that evade the initial barrage.
The system can detect and engage drones up to 2.5 km away, with radar capable of identifying aerial threats from 6 to 10 km. Its electro-optical and infrared sensor suite ensures precise target tracking, even for drones with low radar cross-sections.
Advanced Features and Battlefield Flexibility
- C4I Command Centre: Bhargavastra’s command-and-control unit uses advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technology for network-centric operations, allowing seamless integration with existing military infrastructure.
- Terrain Adaptability: The system is designed for deployment in varied environments, including high-altitude regions above 5,000 meters, making it suitable for India’s diverse operational needs.
- Customizable and Scalable: Bhargavastra’s open-source architecture allows for the addition of a “soft kill” layer (jamming and spoofing), and both sensors and shooters can be configured for different mission profiles, enabling layered air defence for the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- Indigenous and Affordable: SDAL emphasizes Bhargavastra’s cost-effectiveness and indigenous production, offering a globally unique, scalable solution for countering UAV threats.
Strategic Significance and Recent Context
The successful test comes days after a major ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, following heightened tensions and drone incursions during Operation Sindoor. Indian forces have recently faced and neutralized hostile drone swarms along the border, underscoring the urgent need for advanced counter-drone systems like Bhargavastra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier visited SDAL’s Nagpur facility in March 2025, reviewing key indigenous defence projects and highlighting the government’s focus on self-reliance in critical military technologies.
What’s Next for Bhargavastra?
With its successful trials, Bhargavastra is poised for rapid induction into India’s armed forces, offering a robust, scalable shield against the growing menace of drone warfare. Its modular design and indigenous pedigree make it a strategic asset for India’s defence modernization and export ambitions.
