In a noteworthy advancement towards technological self-reliance, the Indian Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps showcased a collection of advanced indigenous counter-drone systems at the Bhopal Military Station. This demonstration included live tests of three newly developed systems: Agni, Amber, and Ajeet, all designed to address diverse aerial threats posed by contemporary drone warfare.
These systems cater to short and medium-range engagements, with Agni serving as a handheld, short-range device. Amber is a man-portable system that operates effectively in the short-to-medium range, while Ajeet functions as a manpack system for short-range needs. Each of these systems is capable of executing both hard and soft kill strategies, providing adaptable solutions in various operational scenarios.
The event was overseen by Lt Gen Prit Pal Singh, the General Officer Commanding of the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. He celebrated the accomplishments of the young Indian innovators responsible for these technological advancements, emphasizing the pressing necessity for indigenous high-tech tools to address evolving security threats. Lt Gen Singh also highlighted the significance of collaborative innovation fostered by government initiatives such as Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
This field validation comes at a time when there is rising global apprehension regarding drone warfare. A study by the RAND Corporation revealed that incidents related to drones have increased by over 300%, while a NATO report indicated that 70% of conventional air defense systems proved ineffective against commercial drones leveraged in asymmetric conflicts.
During the demonstration, Lt Gen Singh recognized the developers, noting that their contributions represent a pivotal shift in India’s military preparedness. The successful trials are anticipated to lead to mass production and potential export opportunities, further establishing India as a significant player in the global counter-drone technology arena.
