In a significant advancement for India’s defense technology, Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) has successfully conducted test-firings of the ‘Bhargavastra,’ an advanced counter-swarm drone system. Designed to address the increasing threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms, these successful trials took place on May 13, 2025, at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur. This achievement underscores India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in defense capabilities as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
During the tests, SDAL executed three successful launches, which included two single-rocket deployments and a two-rocket salvo, showcasing the system’s effectiveness in neutralizing large-scale drone threats. All rockets achieved the specified launch parameters, further validating the reliability and operational efficiency of the ‘Bhargavastra.’
One of the standout features of the ‘Bhargavastra’ is its cost-effective, hard-kill capability, utilizing unguided micro-rockets designed to eliminate drones within a lethal radius of 20 meters and at operational ranges of up to 2.5 kilometers. Its sophisticated radar system boasts a detection range of 6 to 10 kilometers, capable of identifying even micro-drones with low radar cross-sections (LRCS). Furthermore, the system is fitted with an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor suite, enabling accurate tracking and identification of drone targets.
The ‘Bhargavastra’ distinguishes itself through a multi-layered defense approach. It serves as the initial layer of defense with unguided rockets and is complemented by a guided micro-missile layer aimed at precisely targeting more advanced threats. Its modular design also allows for the integration of additional soft-kill measures, such as electronic jamming and spoofing, which can disable drones without physical destruction.
Adaptability is another key attribute, as the system is designed for deployment across varying terrains, including high-altitude environments exceeding 5,000 meters, making it versatile for India’s diverse operational requirements. The integrated Command-and-Control Centre leverages state-of-the-art C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) technology, facilitating comprehensive situational awareness and seamless compatibility with India’s existing network-centric warfare infrastructure.
With its open-source framework and cost-effectiveness, the ‘Bhargavastra’ positions India as a frontrunner in global counter-drone capabilities, particularly in swarm-neutralization. According to SDAL, no other nation has developed a domestically produced counter-drone system of this level.
The success of the ‘Bhargavastra’ is emblematic of India’s ongoing endeavor to bolster its air defense systems in response to evolving security challenges posed by the increasing proliferation of drones. As a fully indigenous solution, it further diminishes reliance on foreign defense imports, aligning with the government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative and recent reforms in the Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 that emphasize domestic manufacturing.
This accomplishment marks a pivotal milestone in India’s defense landscape, reinforcing the nation’s technological prowess and capability to offer robust, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to contemporary security challenges. The successful deployment of the ‘Bhargavastra’ not only enhances India’s air defense framework but also highlights the country’s burgeoning influence in the global defense technology arena.
