Bhargavastra: India's indigenous counter drone system

• On May 13, 2025, the 'Bhargavastra' system was successfully tested at the Seward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. 
• This system is technologically advanced, cost-effective and an example of the 'Make in India' mission.

About Bhargavastra

• What is it: It is an indigenous counter drone system that operates in hard-kill mode. It is capable of destroying drone swarms and single drones.
• Design and Development: It has been designed and developed by Solar Defense and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). It has been designed for deployment in high altitude areas under various geographical conditions.
• Mechanism: Bhargavastra works at two levels to neutralise drone threats-
  • Level 1: Unguided micro rockets can destroy lethal drone swarms within a radius of 20 metres up to a distance of 2.5 km.
  • Level 2: Guided micro-missiles are capable of delivering precision targets against complex threats.
• Naming: Named after the divine weapon of Mahabharata era ‘Bhargavastra’

Technical Features

• Radar and Sensors: The system is customisable with sensors such as radar, electro-optical (EO) and RF receivers making it compatible with network-centric warfare systems.
  • The EO/IR sensor (Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor) suite ensures tracking and identification with high accuracy, making it possible to assess and neutralise drone attacks in real time.
    • The EO/IR sensor uses both electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) technology. It detects signals emitted by an object in both the visible and infrared parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
  • It is capable of detecting low radar cross-section (LRCS) drones at a distance of 6 to 10 km.
• Micro rockets and missiles: Firing in single and salvo mode, two micro rockets can be launched in two seconds.
• Modular design: Its modular structure enables it to be integrated with soft-kill techniques such as jamming and spoofing.
• High altitude functionality: Effective in altitudes above 5,000 metres.
• C4I system: The system has an advanced command-and-control centre equipped with C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) capabilities. 

Importance

• Empowerment of indigenous innovation in air defence
• Cost-effective solution due to low cost and open-source architecture
• Among the few countries to have systems to neutralise drone swarms
• Strategic advantage due to protection of military and civilian sites

Historical perspective of Bhargavastra

Bhargavastra was used on the 17th day of the Mahabharata war. It was the most powerful weapon created by Lord Parashurama. This weapon is named after sage(Rishi) Bhrigu.