Bhargavastra micro-missile system
| Bhargavastra micro misile system | |
|---|---|
 Bhargavastra micro-missile system during test firing | |
| Type | Surface-to-air missile (Anti drone system) |
| Place of origin | India |
| Service history | |
| In service | User Trials |
| Used by | Indian Armed Forces |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Economic Explosives Ltd |
| Manufacturer | Solar Group Industries Ltd |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) |
| Length | 1.82 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Width | 0.35 m (1 ft 2 in) |
| Engine | Solid-propellant rocket |
| Propellant | Solid fuel |
Operational range | 6 km (3.7 mi) |
| Flight altitude | 5 km (16,000 ft) |
Launch platform | mobile platform |
The Bhargavastra micro-missile system is India's first indigenously developed counter-drone solution, was successfully tested in January 2025 at Odisha's Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges.[1] Developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a Solar Group subsidiary, it aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, addressing the rising threat of swarm drones in modern warfare.[2]
This innovative system, mounted on a mobile 4x4 platform, is designed to detect and neutralize small UAVs efficiently across diverse terrains, including high-altitude regions up to 5,000 meters.[3][4][5]
Description
[edit]Bhargavastra's radar detects medium-to-large UAVs at 10 kilometers and micro-drones at 6 kilometers, while its guided micro-missiles can engage targets beyond 2.5 kilometers and up to 400 meters in altitude.[6] Its standout feature is the ability to launch up to 64 micro-missiles simultaneously, making it ideal for countering drone swarms. The system integrates advanced technologies like a C4I system, EO/IR sensors for low-visibility operations, and AI-enhanced targeting, offering both “hard-kill” (missile-based) and “soft-kill” (electronic disruption) options.[7]
Trials
[edit]On January 12-13, 2025, at Gopalpur Seaward Firing Range, Odisha, the Bhargavastra micro-missile system underwent its initial trials. On January 12, a single micro-missile precisely struck a stationary electronic target at 2,500 meters distance and 400 meters altitude, utilizing a full-authority Fire Control System.[8] The following day, January 13, the system successfully hit a moving electronic target simulating a UAV, with the strike validated by infrared camera footage. Both tests, observed by senior Army officials, demonstrated the system’s precision and reliability against static and dynamic targets, marking a significant milestone toward further evaluation.[9]
On May 13, 2025, also at Gopalpur, Bhargavastra underwent three additional trials in the presence of Army Air Defence officials. Two trials involved firing a single micro-rocket each, both meeting all required launch parameters.[10] A third trial showcased the system’s salvo capability, launching two micro-rockets within 2 seconds, successfully achieving all objectives. These tests highlighted the system’s effectiveness in both single and rapid multi-rocket engagements, demonstrating its dual approach of using unguided micro-rockets for mass drone incursions and guided micro-missiles for precise targeting, further validating its potential as a robust anti-drone solution.[11]
References
[edit]- ^ https://www.livemint.com/news/india/what-is-bhargavastra-india-s-homegrown-tech-that-hunts-drones-with-precision-11747237524868.html
- ^ ANI (14 May 2025). "India's homegrown 'Bhargavastra' counter swarm drone system test fired successfully". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Bharatshakti, Team (15 January 2025). "Solar Group Tests India's First Indigenous Micro-Missile Drone System 'Bhargavastra'". Bharat Shakti. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "India successfully tests Indian Army's first 'Bhargavastra' counter-drone micro missiles - details here". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "Bhargavastra micro missiles ready to fire - The Economic Times". m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ^ "Is Solar Industries entering a new growth phase with defence orders?". The Indian Express. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ "What Is Bhargavastra? India's low cost drone killer system set to reshape future air defences - BusinessToday". Business Today. 14 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/what-is-bhargavastra-india-drone-killer-weapon-sdal-125051401303_1.html
- ^ "Video: Homegrown 'Bhargavastra' System To Destroy Drone Swarm Test-Fired Successfully". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Service, Statesman News (14 May 2025). "India successfully tests its latest counter-drone system 'Bhargavastra'". The Statesman. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ Correspondent, D. C. (14 May 2025). "What is Bhargavastra, India's Anti Drone Defense System". www.deccanchronicle.com. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help)