Solar group’s Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) has revealed details about its new generation hard-kill counter-drone system named Bhargavastra, which is being developed by the firm amid emerging threats posed by swarm kamikaze drone attacks.
The Bharavastra system is mounted on a 4×4 high-mobility vehicle for rapid deployment in various terrains, particularly along the LAC. The system uses radar capable of detecting small drones from above 5 km away and EO/IR sensors for visual detection.
Bhargavastra CUAS system by EEL – Solar Group via @BharatShaktiBSI https://t.co/c6jCVAiEoo pic.twitter.com/nzj779OSEE
— Adithya Krishna Menon (@AdithyaKM_) March 18, 2024
To counter potential saturation attacks, the system’s launcher features 64 vertical launch missiles and can initiate engagement just 16 seconds after detection. It can engage 64 targets simultaneously by firing all interceptors at 1-second intervals.
The Counter-Drone Micro Missile will weigh just 2.5 kg and features an Imaging Infrared seeker for target engagement. The missile is capable of engaging targets within a 2 km radius.
US Miniature Hit-To-Kill (MHTK) Interceptor
Notably, the US defence giant Lockheed Martin is also engaged in a similar development named Miniature Hit-To-Kill Interceptor with the same weight of 2.5 kgs. It will use the Multi-Mission Launcher (MML), which is currently being used to fire Iron Dome’s Tamir missile and ground-launched Sidewinder missiles. The launcher can hold upto 15 interceptors.
Emerging drone threats
In the Russia-Ukraine war, both countries are extensively using various types of Kamikaze drones to target military bases and civilian infrastructure.
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Russia’s Iranian Shahed 136 drones are wreaking havoc on Ukrainian military and energy infrastructure, while Ukrainian Kamikaze drones are posing significant risks to Russian air bases and oil and gas facilities.
The Houthis are also employing Kamikaze drones to attack commercial vessels and US Navy warships.
Currently, Ukraine primarily relies on air defence guns to intercept Iranian Shahed 136 drones. However, these guns lack the capability to effectively engage multiple drones simultaneously.
Although Ukraine effectively safeguards key infrastructure against drone threats using systems like NASAMS, it’s not always a feasible option due to the high cost. For instance, while a Shahed 136 drone costs $20,000, a NASAMS interceptor costs over $1 million.
Other anti-drone solutions for India
Several countries, including India, are developing laser-based directed energy weapons to counter emerging drone threats with precision and cost-effectiveness.
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The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed a 1 kW laser weapon for its D4 anti-drone system, providing both RF jamming as a soft kill and a laser weapon for hard kill options.
The Indian navy is also conducting tests of a 30 kW laser weapon developed by DRDO aboard the INS Jalashwa ship.
While laser weapons offer precise and low-cost solutions, their rapid deployment in all areas is hindered by significant power requirements.
Electronic Warfare systems also play a crucial role in disabling drones through communication and GPS jamming. However, it’s important to note that some drones equipped with advanced data links and GPS-independent navigation systems can evade jamming attempts.
Bhargavastra: Interceptor based Hard-Kill anti-drone system
Reports indicate that the American Miniature Hit-To-Kill Interceptor costs $16,000. Given the typically higher costs of American weapons, it is expected that the Bhargavastra system’s interceptor will be significantly more affordable than the MHTK.
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While interceptor-based defence systems have ammunition limits compared to laser and EW systems, the Bhargavastra system’s inclusion of 64 ready-to-fire interceptors with simultaneous engagement capability may help overcome this limitation.
Furthermore, the use of a single 4×4 high-mobility vehicle solution for radar, sensors, and launcher enables easier and quicker deployment in harsh terrains.
Conclusion
The Bhargavastra system’s high mobility, advanced detection, and low-cost interceptors make it a crucial asset in safeguarding military assets and civilian infrastructure from emerging drone threats. Integration of an interceptor-based system, in addition to laser and EW-based systems, offers robust defence capabilities across various terrains and operational conditions, effectively countering evolving drone technologies and safeguarding national security.
