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A multi-layer Anti-Drone also known as the Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) which is designed and developed by the Indian private sector company Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited with a name as “The Bhargavastra”. The Bhargavastra multi-layer Anti-Drone system is based on the small lightweight guided and unguided micro-missiles and micro-rockets. this system is developed specially to tackle threats from loitering munitions and weaponized autonomous swarm drones which cannot be jammed or spoofed. This Anti-Drone system is the first guided micro-missile counter-drone system of its sort in the world. The technology of this Anti-Drone system is intended to stop drone strikes at a lower cost than surface-to-air missiles.
“The Bhargavastra” a counter drone system is a well defining and game changing low cost indigenously developed counter drone system. This anti drone system is desinged and developed by the Economic Explosives Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Solar Group, a private sector company of India. This anti drone system uses guided as well as unguided micro munitions capable of destroying drone swarms at a distance when they are even not visible. This news came at a time when India was engaged to counter successfully the drones attacks in a recent conflict with Pakistan and latter it was found that the Pakistan used Turkiye made Kamikaze drones to target India’s military installations.
Why was the need felt
The need of this type weapon system in our defense system is required in response to the increasing dangers that the Indian Army faces from weaponized drones and loitering munitions.
How to idea came to develop this type system?
The idea came after analyzing the following conflicts which involved the use of loitering munition and swarm of drones.
01) Russian invasion of Ukraine.
02) The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
03) Recent conflict between India and Pakistan
The Bhargavastra counter-drone system is developed without a formal request for proposals from the Indian Armed Forces.
The anti drone system is designed and developed by Solar Group by its with own developed counter-drone technology. Once this system will be tested successfully it will be made available to the military.
Totally made-in-India product
As per the developer of the system “The Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd” every part of this system is developed in India. such as – The strike mechanisms, The detecting sensors and other multiple sensor systems such as – radar, electro-optical, radio frequency receivers etc.
Features of Bhargavastra –
– The Bhargavastra system is combination of a multi-layer counter-drone defense with micro-rockets and micro-missiles which are capable to kill hard.
– The system has the ability to integrate with the current military network for network-centric warfare. such as the Akashteer, the Integrated Air Command and Control System.
– This system was designed and developed to fend off widespread swarm drone attacks which will be helpful for the Indian Army.
– Bhargavastra anti drone system to designed in such a way where it detects any even a small incoming hostile drone more than 6 kilometers away.
– As soon as the system detected any small incoming hostile drone, It allows the full authority to fire control system and deploy micro-rockets or micro-missiles that can be directed in the direction of the threat.
– Its low radar cross section targets can also be detected due to the embedded Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor.
– The system of Bhargavastra can be quickly deployed by mounting it on a mobile platform.
– The Bhargavastra anti drone system is made for the function in all types of terrain. Even it can also be able to work at the high elevations of up to 5,000 meters.
– The system radar at the command center of the system is equipped with C4I.
– The meaning of C4I is Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence.
– The radar system of the Bhargavastra can be able to identify medium-sized to large UAVs at a distance of 10 km and extremely small drones at a distance of 6 km.
– A single launcher of the system is capable of carrying 64 units of small lightweight guided and unguided micro-missiles and micro-rockets.
– Bhargavastra anti drone system capable and allowing for multiple launches in 10 seconds with 360-degree coverage.
– Bhargavastra can be capable to fire 64 micro-rockets/micro-missiles in its salvo mode.
– The system can be enhanced with a soft-kill layer that incorporates spoofing and jamming to create a complete and integrated system.
– The primary radar system is made in a such a way to identify airborne targets at a great distance.
– Decision-making and situational awareness of the system are improved by artificial intelligence.
– The system is able detect and analyse whether the target to destroy a single hostile drone or a drone swarm for rapid fire engagement.
– The system takes less than 16 seconds from target recognition to interception.
Bhargavastra Multi Layered Defence Mechanism
Bhargavastra is designed for both for hard kill and potential soft kill capabilities. The primary method of engagement involves a dual layered kinetic approach
The system has basically 2 layers –
Layer 1 – Layer 1 is comprising with unguided micro rockets with 20 meter lethal radius, capable of knock down or neutralizing multiple drones within range of 2.5 km.
These micro rockets is effective against drone or drone swarms.
These micro rockets of the system allowing for the engagement of multiple targets simultaneously.
Layer 2 – This layer of the system Includes guided micro missiles to offer surgical accuracy against high value or elusive air targets ensuring precise and impactful neutralization
Significance of Bhargavastra for India
– A unified solution for the protection from UAV threat.
– Enhancement the Air defence capabilities.
– Technological advancement in defence warfare with self reliance.
– Became a strong player in domestic power.
– Cost Effectiveness.
– Made in India.
– Representation of private sector in making defence equipment.
Conclusion –
Bhargavastra is a low cost, hard kill counter drone system with indigenously designed micro rockets and missiles.
The lethal precision and reliability of the system signifies a leap for Indian counter drone warfare capabilities.
Some of the features the Bhargavastra makes unique are as under –
– The system is designed and developed in such a way that can be mounted in any of the diverse geographical terrains in India. Means the system can be deployed from plains, deserts to high altitude mountains ranging upto 5000 meters.
– The radar system at the command center is equipped with C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence)
– The Bhargavastra can be identify medium-sized to large UAVs at a distance of 10 km and extremely small drones at a distance of 6 km.
– A single launcher is capable of carrying 64 units of small lightweight guided and unguided micro-missiles and micro-rockets.
– The system allowing for multiple launches in 10 seconds with 360-degree coverage
The system can be customized to incorporate an additional soft skill layer consisting of jamming and spoofing techniques. No doubt this system will Enhanced Air defence capabilities
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