India has made significant strides in enhancing its defense capabilities by awarding contracts worth 2.89 billion rupees (approximately $32.55 million) to Zen Technologies for the upgrade of its anti-drone systems. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s preparedness against evolving aerial threats, particularly in the wake of insights gained from recent operational experiences like Operation Sindoor.
Zen Technologies is tasked with completing these upgrades within a year, focusing on integrating valuable lessons learned from frontline operations. A critical aspect of the upgrade is improving both hardware and software adaptability, a capability that many foreign systems may lack due to stringent export controls and vendor constraints.
The upgrades will specifically address two pressing vulnerabilities: the risk of physical hardware compromise and the potential for software-level malware attacks. These concerns have been magnified by international incidents such as the infamous Stuxnet and Pager malware attacks, which have exposed the susceptibility of critical systems in the face of cyber threats.
Ashok Atluri, the Managing Director and Chairman of Zen Technologies, expressed the company’s dedication to maintaining India’s defensive edge amid growing threats. He emphasized that acquiring Indian-designed, developed, and manufactured products is not merely an option but a vital necessity for ensuring national security as drone and cyber threats continue to evolve.
India’s commitment to developing indigenous counter-drone solutions is evident in its ongoing projects. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), in partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited, has created the D4 system. This state-of-the-art system incorporates radar, RF sensors, electro-optical/infrared cameras, jammers, and advanced laser-based directed energy weapons, available in both mobile and static configurations for rapid deployment across various branches of the armed forces.
Complementing these efforts, Adani Defence & Aerospace in collaboration with DRDO recently unveiled a vehicle-mounted counter-drone system equipped with radar, SIGINT/EO sensors, jammers, a 7.62-mm gun, and a high-energy laser. This system is designed for mobility and can secure critical areas from threats at distances of up to 10 km (6.2 miles) across various terrains.
Meanwhile, private sector companies like Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited are making headway in developing innovative systems such as the Bhargavastra micro-missile anti-drone system, specifically aimed at intercepting loitering munitions and autonomous drone swarms.
These advancements highlight India’s strategic focus on enhancing its capabilities to counter sophisticated drone threats, underscoring a significant shift toward self-reliance in defense technology.
