Viktorivmw: Added the data v1

2026-01-25T05:13:13Z

Added the data v1

New page

{{Short description|Counter unmanned air systems}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{Infobox weapon
| is_missile = yes
| name = Bhargavastra
| image = File:Bhargavastra micro misile system.jpg
| image_size =
| caption = Bhargavastra during user trials
| type = [[Anti-UAV Defence System]] <br />[[Counter unmanned air system]]s
| service = 
| designer = Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited
| design_date = 2025
| manufacturer = *'''System:''' Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited
*'''Rocket/Munition:''' Economic Explosives Limited
| production_date =
| number = 
| origin = [[India]]
| used_by =
| wars = 
| engine = [[Solid-propellant rocket]]
| propellant = [[Solid fuel]]
| weight = {{cvt|2.5|kg}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sadham |first1=Vinay |title=Unveiling Bhargavastra: India's next generation Hard-Kill anti drone system |url=https://thenewsmill.com/2024/03/unveiling-bhargavastra-indias-next-generation-hard-kill-anti-drone-system/ |access-date=31 May 2025 |publisher=thenewsmill.com |date=19 March 2024}}</ref>
| wingspan =
| length =
| diameter =
| speed =
| vehicle_range = *'''Detection:''' 6-10 km (>5 km for 0.01m² object)
*'''Interception:''' 2.5 km<ref name="defstrat.com">{{cite web |title=India Developing Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarming Drone System for Army |url=https://www.defstrat.com/news/india-developing-vehicle-mounted-counter-swarming-drone-system-for-army/ |website=Defstrat |access-date=31 May 2025}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=16 January 2025 |title=Bhargavastra Micro-Missile: A game-changer in counter-drone technology |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/bhargavastra-micro-missile-game-changer-in-counter-drone-technology-2983bddd |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=english.mathrubhumi.com |language=en}}</ref>
| ceiling =
| filling =
| filling_weight =
| guidance = [[Imaging infrared|IIR]]/[[Charge-coupled device|CCD]]<ref name="defstrat.com">{{cite web |title=India Developing Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarming Drone System for Army |url=https://www.defstrat.com/news/india-developing-vehicle-mounted-counter-swarming-drone-system-for-army/ |website=Defstrat |access-date=31 May 2025}}</ref>
| accuracy =
| steering =
| detonation = [[Hit-to-kill]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Bhargavastra: Watch India test low-cost drone killer that destroys swarms in seconds |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/bhargavastra-watch-india-test-low-cost-drone-killer-that-destroys-swarms-in-seconds/articleshow/121158690.cms?from=mdr |access-date=15 May 2025 |publisher=The Economic Times |date=14 May 2025}}</ref>
| launch_platform = Road mobile (7.5-ton class all-terrain vehicle), Naval Platforms
| unit_cost =
}}

'''Bhargavastra''' is a multi-layer micro-missile [[Anti-UAV Defence System|Anti-Drone]]/[[Counter unmanned air system|Counter-Unmanned Aerial System]] (C-UAS) designed and developed by the Indian private sector company Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sahoo |first=Akshaya Kumar |date=2025-05-14 |title=India's Homegrown 'Bhargavastra' Counter Swarm Drone System Test Fired Successfully |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/indias-homegrown-bhargavastra-counter-swarm-drone-system-test-fired-successfully-1878808 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=deccanchronicle.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 May 2025 |title=Low-cost system to destroy drone swarms, Bhargavastra, test-fired successfully |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/low-cost-system-to-destroy-drone-swarms-bhargavastra-test-fired-successfully/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=The Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Bhargavastra counter-drone system is based on small lightweight guided and unguided micro-missiles and micro-rockets which are specially developed to tackle threats from [[loitering munition]]s and [[Weaponized drone|weaponized]] [[Autonomous drone|autonomous]] [[swarm drone]]s which cannot be [[Radio jamming|jammed]] or [[Gps spoofing|spoofed]]. This is the first guided micro-missile counter-drone system of its sort in the world. The technology is intended to stop drone strikes at a lower cost than [[surface-to-air missile]]s.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-01-15 |title=Solar Group Tests India's First Indigenous Micro-Missile Drone System 'Bhargavastra' |url=https://bharatshakti.in/solar-group-tests-indias-first-indigenous-micro-missile-drone-system-bhargavastra/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Bharat Shakti |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |date=2025-05-14 |title=India's homegrown 'Bhargavastra' counter swarm drone system test fired successfully |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-homegrown-bhargavastra-counter-swarm-drone-system-test-fired-successfully/article69575021.ece |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

With an engagement range of up to 2.5 kilometers, the first layer uses unguided micro-rockets that can destroy drone swarms within a 20-meter radius. The guided micro-missiles with high precision makes up the second layer for evasive or high-value aerial targets.<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2025 |title=India tests indigenous counter drone system with 'hard kill' mode: All about 'Bhargavastra' |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/india-tests-indigenous-counter-drone-system-with-hard-kill-mode-all-about-bhargavastra-13024978.html |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=moneycontrol.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Negi |first1=Manjeet |last2=Bhattacharya |first2=Devika |last3=Chakraborty |first3=Prateek |date=2025-05-14 |title=Video: India tests homegrown counter drone system Bhargavastra |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-successfully-test-fires-bhargavastra-homegrown-hard-kill-counter-swarm-drone-system-2724617-2025-05-14 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

== History ==
The Bhargavastra counter-drone system was developed by the Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited, a subsidiary of the Solar Group in response to the increasing dangers that the [[Indian Army]] faces from [[weaponized drone]]s and [[loitering munition]]s. The project began after analyzing the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]], which involved the use of loitering munition and [[swarm drone]]s, and the [[Nagorno-Karabakh conflict]] between [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Armenia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Reed Jr. |first1=Craig A. |last2=Rife |first2=James P. |date=2022-01-01 |title=New Wrinkles to Drone Warfare |url=https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/2022/january/new-wrinkles-drone-warfare#:~:text=The%202020%20war%20between%20Armenia,combat%20drones,%20with%20lethal%20effect. |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=U.S. Naval Institute |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Scarborough |first=Darryl |date=2024-12-17 |title=The Drone Wars: A New Era of Conflict |url=https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2024/12/17/the-drone-wars-a-new-era-of-conflict/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Modern Diplomacy |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Cheung |first1=Sunny |last2=McReynolds |first2=Joe |date=28 March 2025 |title=Autonomous Battlefield: PLA Lessons from Russia's Invasion of Ukraine |url=https://jamestown.org/program/autonomous-battlefield-pla-lessons-from-russias-invasion-of-ukraine/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=The Jamestown Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> The Bhargavastra counter-drone system was developed without the [[Indian Armed Forces]] issuing a formal [[request for proposal]]s. Solar Group developed the counter-drone technology on its own initiative, and after research and testing are over, it will be made available to the military. The company intends to export the system overseas.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Arya |first=Shishir |date=2025-01-16 |title=Nagpur-based Solar Group develops world's first guided micro-missile counter-drone system |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/nagpur-based-solar-group-develops-worlds-first-guided-micro-missile-counter-drone-system/articleshow/117276446.cms |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

According to Solar Defence and Aerospace, every part—from strike mechanisms to detecting sensors—is developed in India. Multiple sensor systems, such as radar, electro-optical, and radio frequency receivers, can be integrated thanks to the [[open architecture]], allowing for layered air defense cover that is customized to meet the needs of individual missions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Choudhary |first=Govind |date=14 May 2025 |title=WATCH: India successfully tests low-cost 'Bhargavastra' to neutralise drone swarms |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/watch-india-successfully-tests-low-cost-bhargavastra-to-neutralise-drone-swarms-11747219989057.html |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=livemint.com}}</ref> A coordinated, multi-layered approach to combating airborne threats is provided by the Bhargavastra counter-drone system.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Choudhary |first=Govind |date=14 May 2025 |title=What is Bhargavastra? India's homegrown tech that hunts drones with precision |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/what-is-bhargavastra-india-s-homegrown-tech-that-hunts-drones-with-precision-11747237524868.html |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=livemint.com}}</ref>

== Development ==
The Bhargavastra system employs a multi-layer counter-drone defense with inexpensive micro-rockets and micro-missiles for hard kill. The system has the ability to integrate with the current military network, such as the [[Akashteer]] and the [[Integrated Air Command and Control System]], for [[network-centric warfare]]. The counter-drone system was designed to help the Indian Army fend off widespread [[swarm drone]] attacks. When Bhargavastra detects a small incoming hostile drone more than 6 kilometers away, the full authority [[Fire-control system|fire control system]] deploy micro-rockets or micro-missiles that can be directed in the direction of the threat. Low [[radar cross section]] targets can also be detected due to the embedded [[Electro-optical sensor|Electro-Optical]]/[[Infrared sensor|Infrared]] sensor. Economic Explosives Limited is responsible for the development of the micro-rocket/micro-missile munition. Bhargavastra can be quickly deployed by mounting it on a mobile platform. The system is made to function in all types of terrain, even those at high elevations of up to 5,000 meters.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2025-01-15 |title=Bhargavastra Micro Missiles successfully test-fired |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/bhargavastra-micro-missiles-solar-group-successfully-test-ready-to-fire-19540369.htm |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The system radar at the command center which is equipped with [[C4I]] (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) can identify medium-sized to large [[UAVs]] at a distance of 10 km and extremely small drones at a distance of 6 km. A single launcher is capable of carrying 64 units of small lightweight guided and unguided micro-missiles and micro-rockets in 8 x 8 cassettes, allowing for multiple launches in 10 seconds with 360-degree coverage.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Linganna |first=Girish |date=16 January 2025 |title=Bhargavastra Micro-Missile: A game-changer in counter-drone technology |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/bhargavastra-micro-missile-game-changer-in-counter-drone-technology-2983bddd |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=english.mathrubhumi.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |title=India Developing Vehicle Mounted Counter Swarming Drone System for Army |url=https://www.defstrat.com/news/india-developing-vehicle-mounted-counter-swarming-drone-system-for-army/ |access-date=31 May 2025 |website=Defstrat}}</ref>

Bhargavastra can fire 64 micro-rockets/micro-missiles in salvo mode.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pubby |first=Manu |date=2025-01-15 |title=Bhargavastra micro missiles ready to fire |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/bhargavastra-micro-missiles-ready-to-fire/articleshow/117245312.cms |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Because of its modular design, the Bhargavastra can be enhanced with a soft-kill layer that incorporates [[Gps spoofing|spoofing]] and [[Radio jamming|jamming]] to create a complete and integrated system. Radar, [[Electro-optical sensor|EO]]/[[Infrared sensor|IR]]/[[RF]] sensors, and the launcher are all modular components that can be set up to the user's specifications, and function as a single unit to provide layered and tiered air defense protection, allowing targets to be engaged at greater distance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=India's homegrown 'Bhargavastra' counter swarm drone system test fired successfully |url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/indias-homegrown-bhargavastra-counter-swarm-drone-system-test-fired-successfully20250514144515/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=ANI |language=en}}</ref> An all-terrain vehicle in the 7.5-ton class can incorporate the multi-layered system in addition to a sensor mast and the soft-kill option.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bisht |first=Inder Singh |date=17 January 2025 |title=Solar Group Tests India's First Counter-Drone Swarm System |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2025/01/17/solar-group-indias-drone/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=thedefensepost.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The primary radar is to identify airborne targets at a great distance. Target acquisition by visual tracking is facilitated by the electro-optical tracking system. The EO/IR sensor identifies targets in a variety of illumination settings by combining optical and infrared capabilities. Decision-making and situational awareness are improved by [[artificial intelligence]]. Due to situational awareness, Bhargavastra can determine whether to destroy a single hostile drone or a drone swarm simultaneously with rapid fire engagement. It takes less than 16 seconds from target recognition to interception. With homing capability, the micro-missiles can [[Lock-on after launch|lock-on-after-launch]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 May 2025 |title=Video: India successfully tests homegrown 'Bhargavastra' counter-swarm drone system |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-successfully-tests-homegrown-bhargavastra-counter-swarm-drone-system-101747216378816.html |access-date=15 May 2025 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=Solar Industries' Bhargavastra: A Revolutionary Defence Technology to Combat UAVs and Drone Swarms |url=https://defence.in/threads/solar-industries-bhargavastra-a-revolutionary-defence-technology-to-combat-uavs-and-drone-swarms.4632/ |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Defence News India |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0" />

== Trials ==
'''12 January 2025:''' The system successfully completed its maiden firing trial against a stationary target in the air at a distance of 2.5 km and at an altitude of 400 meters under controlled conditions in Seaward Firing Ranges in [[Gopalpur, Odisha]].<ref name=":2" />

'''13 January 2025:''' A perfect hit was achieved in a second controlled fire exercise against a moving electronic target at Gopalpur Seaward Firing Range.<ref name=":2" />

'''13 May 2025:''' In front of senior officers from [[Corps of Army Air Defence|Corps of Army Air Defense]], the system underwent three firing test at the Seaward Firing Ranges in Gopalpur. Each of the two trials involved firing a single rocket. Two rockets were fired in salvo mode in two seconds as part of third trial.<ref>{{Cite web |last=M |first=Rahul |date=14 May 2025 |title='Bhargavastra', India's Counter-Drone System, Successfully Test-Fired Amid Rising Tensions With Pakistan; Here's How It Can Be A Game Changer? (VIDEO) |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/india-successfully-tests-bhargavastra-counter-drone-system-amid-rising-security-tensions-video |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en}}</ref> To counter large-scale drone strikes, all four rockets met the necessary launch parameters and operated as planned. The first line of defense is unguided micro-rockets that can destroy a swarm of drones within a 20-meter radius. The second line of defense is guided micro-missiles, with improve accuracy to guarantee accurate and effective target neutralization.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Arya |first=Shishir |date=2025-05-15 |title=Indigenous 'Bhargavastra' test-fired successfully |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indigenous-bhargavastra-test-fired-successfully/articleshow/121171294.cms |access-date=2025-05-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-05-14 |title=Bhargavastra: Watch India test low-cost drone killer that destroys swarms in seconds |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/bhargavastra-watch-india-test-low-cost-drone-killer-that-destroys-swarms-in-seconds/articleshow/121158690.cms |access-date=2025-05-14 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-05-14 |title=Video: Homegrown 'Bhargavastra' System To Destroy Drone Swarm Test-Fired Successfully |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/indias-homegrown-bhargavastra-counter-swarm-drone-system-test-fired-successfully-8411315 |access-date=2025-05-14 |website=ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref> To improve the system's capacity to manage a wider array of threats, an extra electronic soft kill option is being added.<ref name=":3" />

== See also ==
{{Portal|India}}
* [[Iron Dome]]
* [[Drone Dome]]
* [[Integrated Drone Detection & Interdiction System]]

== References ==

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Air defense]]
[[Category:Anti-drone weapons]]
[[Category:Electronic warfare equipment]]
[[Category:Weapons countermeasures]]

Bhargavastra (counter drone system) - Revision history

Viktorivmw: Added the data v1