India Successfully Conducts Test of Indigenous 'Bhargavastra' Anti-Drone System in Odisha.

In May 2025, India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed low-cost counter-drone system 'Bhargavastra' at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. The system has been developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a Nagpur (Maharashtra)-based subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited (SIIL).

      - Bhargavastra is specially designed to neutralize drone swarms using a two-layered defence mechanism. The first layer uses unguided micro-rockets for wide-area impact, while the second layer employs guided micro-missiles for precision targeting of hostile drones, offering both broad and pinpoint defensive capabilities.

      - During the test trials, three launches were conducted. Two tests involved firing a single micro-rocket each, while the third showcased the system's salvo capability, firing two micro-rockets within two seconds. All tests successfully met the launch parameters, validating Bhargavastra's effectiveness in counter-drone operations.

      - In hard kill mode, the first layer's unguided micro-rockets are capable of neutralizing drone swarms within a lethal radius of 20 meters, making it highly effective against mass drone attacks. The second layer, which includes guided micro-missiles, offers pinpoint accuracy and has been previously validated in earlier trials.

Main Point :-   (i) The system has impressive detection capabilities, including identifying small and incoming drones at distances up to 2.5 km. Its radar system can detect small aerial threats within a range of 6 to 10 km, and it is further equipped with an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite for precise tracking of Low Radar Cross-Section (LRCS) targets.

      (ii) Bhargavastra features a state-of-the-art Command-and-Control Centre that integrates advanced C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technologies. This enhances coordination and responsiveness during operations, enabling a highly integrated and automated counter-drone response mechanism.

(iii) With its modular architecture, Bhargavastra allows integration of soft-kill measures such as jamming and spoofing, offering a comprehensive layered defence against UAVs. Moreover, it is adaptable for deployment in diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions above 5,000 meters, addressing the strategic needs of India’s armed forces.
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