Bhargavastra is an indigenous counter-drone defence system developed in India to address the rapidly evolving threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), particularly drone swarms and autonomous aerial threats. Designed and developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) in collaboration with Economic Explosives Limited, Bhargavastra represents a significant step in India’s efforts to build cost-effective, hard-kill air defence solutions that can operate across diverse terrains and combat modern aerial threats.

The system takes its name from Indian mythological tradition, where “astra” refers to a powerful celestial weapon — an apt metaphor for a defence capability aimed at neutralising airborne dangers effectively.

Why Bhargavastra Was Developed

Recent conflicts around the world, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, have highlighted how drone swarms and loitering munitions can pose significant challenges to traditional air defence systems. The Indian defence establishment and private sector designers concluded that a new kind of counter-drone solution was needed — one that could detect, track and neutralise small, low-altitude aerial threats at a lower cost than conventional surface-to-air missiles. Bhargavastra was developed in response to these emerging threats and does not rely on a formal request for proposals from the armed forces, indicating proactive indigenous innovation.

Key Features and Capabilities

Bhargavastra is built around a multi-layered defence architecture that combines detection, target acquisition and hard-kill interception mechanisms:

Detection and Tracking:
The system is equipped with advanced radar capable of detecting small unmanned aerial targets between 6 km and 10 km away. It also uses electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and radio frequency receivers to accurately identify low radar cross-section targets and small drones. These sensors feed into a Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) centre, which provides real-time situational awareness and coordinated engagement decisions.

Hard Kill Mechanism:
Bhargavastra operates primarily in a hard-kill mode, physically destroying hostile drones rather than just disrupting their electronics. It employs two layers of interception:

• First Layer: Uses unguided micro-rockets capable of neutralising multiple drones within a lethal radius of approximately 20 metres, with an engagement range of up to 2.5 km.

   

• Second Layer: Uses guided micro-missiles that offer high precision for targeting evasive or high-value aerial threats, improving interception accuracy and effectiveness.

   

A single launcher can carry multiple micro-rockets and micro-missiles, enabling rapid firing in salvo mode. The system’s modular design allows up to 64 micro munitions to be launched in quick succession, providing coverage over a wide area.

Soft Kill Integration:
While the system’s primary focus is hard kill interception, it can also be equipped with an optional soft-kill layer that includes jamming and spoofing technologies. These can confuse or misdirect hostile drones as part of a layered defence strategy, making Bhargavastra a comprehensive counter-UAV solution.

Mobility and Terrain Adaptability

One of Bhargavastra’s distinguishing features is its ability to be deployed on mobile platforms, such as a 7.5-ton class all-terrain vehicle. This mobility makes it suitable for rapid repositioning to support frontline units, critical infrastructure sites, border areas and high-altitude regions. The system is capable of operating effectively in diverse environments, including mountainous terrain above 5,000 metres, making it adaptable to India’s varied geographic and strategic requirements.

Testing and Integration

Bhargavastra has undergone multiple rounds of successful testing. Trials conducted at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur demonstrated its ability to launch rockets and intercept targets reliably, with both individual and salvo-mode firings meeting design parameters. These tests were observed by senior officers from the Indian Army Air Defence, underlining its potential military utility.

The system is designed for integration with existing network-centric warfare infrastructures, allowing it to work seamlessly with broader command and control systems used by the Indian armed forces. Its modular components — radar, sensors and launch units — can be customised based on mission needs and integrated into larger air defence architectures.

Operational Significance

Bhargavastra is seen as a strategic enhancement to India’s air defence capabilities, especially in an era where unmanned systems are increasingly used in reconnaissance, surveillance and offensive roles. Traditional air defence systems can be costly and less effective against low-signature drone threats; Bhargavastra’s low-cost, mobile, multi-layer approach fills a capability gap by offering focused protection against fast-evolving UAV risks.

By reducing dependency on expensive surface-to-air missiles for counter-UAV roles and leveraging domestic technology, Bhargavastra also aligns with the “Make in India” initiative and supports self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Its development positions India closer to global innovators in the counter-drone domain and has potential export prospects once fully operational.

What It Means for Future Defence

As warfare evolves with the increased use of autonomous aerial systems and swarming drones, defence forces worldwide are seeking cost-effective, scalable solutions. Bhargavastra’s layered architecture — combining detection, hard-kill interception and optional soft-kill measures — reflects this shift and underscores the importance of indigenous technological solutions tailored to contemporary threats.

With further integration, testing, refinement and deployment, Bhargavastra could become a core component of India’s layered air defence grid, enhancing protection for frontline troops, strategic installations and critical assets against complex drone threats