Video: India successfully tests homegrown ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-swarm drone system

Bhargavastra, an indigenous low-cost counter drone system designed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), was successfully tested by India at the Seaward Firing Range in Odisha’s Gopalpur on Tuesday. The micro rockets used in this counter-drone system underwent rigorous testing in Gopalpur, with three trials conducted in the presence of senior.

Officials of the Army Air Defense (AAD). All four rockets performed as expected and achieved the required launch parameters, underscoring its pioneering technology in mitigating large-scale drone attacks The Bhargavastra is meant for quick interception of drones for an assured hard kill using tiny, guided missiles with swarm engagement capability This solution offers.

Mobile protection against drone attacks with near-simultaneous engagement of multiple drones. Highlights of ‘Bhargavastra’ include multi-layered defense, advanced detection and targeting, terrain adaptability and modularity, indigenous design, and self-reliance in defense The Bhargavastra is designed for quick interception of drones for an assured hard kill using.

Tiny, guided missiles with swarm engagement capability. It offers complete situational awareness to engage single or multiple threats, and is fully compatible with existing network-centric warfare systems. The system is also designed for deployment across diverse terrains, including high-altitude areas, and allows configuration of sensors and launchers per mission need.

In addition to drones, the Bhargavastra has been used in various other sectors, such as education, entertainment, sports, and more. The system has been praised for its effectiveness in countering the threat of drone swarms and providing a safer environment for civilians.

India has successfully tested its indigenous counter-swarm drone system, ‘Bhargavastra’, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s defense capabilities. Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), Bhargavastra is designed to neutralize the growing threat posed by drone swarms.

Overview of Bhargavastra

Bhargavastra is a low-cost, hard-kill counter-drone system that employs a multi-layered defense mechanism. The system integrates both unguided micro-rockets and guided micro-missiles to effectively detect and eliminate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including drone swarms.Wikipedia+11Hindustan Times+11mint+11Wikipedia+6Moneycontrol

Key Features

• Detection and Engagement Range: The system can detect small drones at distances up to 6 kilometers and engage targets up to 2.5 kilometers away. Business Today+2Wikipedia+2Business Today+2
• Layered Defense:
  • First Layer: Unguided micro-rockets with a lethal radius of 20 meters, designed to neutralize multiple drones simultaneously.
  • Second Layer: Guided micro-missiles for precision targeting of high-value or elusive aerial threats. Deccan Chronicle+10Hindustan Times+10www.ndtv.com+10ap7am.com+9mint+9Hindustan Times+9
• Operational Flexibility: Bhargavastra is adaptable to various terrains, including high-altitude regions exceeding 5,000 meters, making it suitable for deployment across India’s diverse geographical landscape. ap7am.com+4Business Today+4mint+4
• Modular Design: The system’s architecture allows for the integration of additional soft-kill measures, such as jamming and spoofing technologies, providing a comprehensive shield against UAV threats. Hindustan Times+3mint+3Moneycontrol+3

Recent Trials

On May 13, 2025, Bhargavastra underwent rigorous testing at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. The trials, conducted in the presence of senior Army Air Defence officials, included:Wikipedia+10www.ndtv.com+10mint+10

• Two tests involving the firing of individual micro-rockets.
• One test in salvo mode, launching two rockets within a two-second interval.@EconomicTimes+9ap7am.com+9mint+9

All four rockets performed as expected, achieving the required launch parameters and demonstrating the system’s operational readiness. Moneycontrol+7@EconomicTimes+7Business Today+7

Strategic Significance

The successful testing of Bhargavastra aligns with India’s broader defense initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and countering modern aerial threats. The system’s development underlines the country’s commitment to indigenous defense technology and its capability to address emerging challenges in drone warfare.@EconomicTimes+1@EconomicTimes+1@EconomicTimes

Bhargavastra is part of a suite of defense projects reviewed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the Nagastra-3 loitering munition, which is currently in its prototype phase. @EconomicTimes+1@EconomicTim

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