In a significant technological breakthrough amid rising drone threats, India successfully tested its indigenously developed ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-swarm drone system at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Ganjam district, Odisha. This advanced system, designed to neutralize drone swarms, has emerged as a formidable weapon in countering unmanned aerial threats.
The trials, conducted on May 13, 2025, were led by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL), a private defense firm. ‘Bhargavastra’ leverages cutting-edge micro-rocket technology to detect and destroy small drones at distances up to 2.5 kilometers and altitudes of 400 meters. The system features a multi-layered defense mechanism: unguided micro-rockets with a 20-meter lethal radius as the primary layer to tackle drone swarms, and guided micro-missiles for pinpoint accuracy as the secondary layer. Three trials were conducted in the presence of senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officials—two with single rocket launches and one in salvo mode, firing two rockets within two seconds. All four rockets met the required parameters, validating the system’s precision and reliability.
Designed for diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions above 5,000 meters, ‘Bhargavastra’ incorporates a modular architecture with optional soft-kill measures like jamming and spoofing. Its command and control center, equipped with C4I technology, ensures seamless coordination. SDAL highlights that this cost-effective, multi-layered system is a global first, strengthening India’s air defense under the “Make in India” initiative.
