Bhargavastra Missile, Range, Cost, Features, Significance

Bhargavastra is a role defining and game changing low cost indigenously developed counter drone system. Developed by  Economic Explosives Ltd a subsidiary of Solar Group , it uses guided micro munitions capable of destroying drone swarms at range of upto 2.5 km with radar detection of 6 km. This news comes at a time when India is engaged in a conflict with Pakistan and latter is believed to be using Turkiye made Kamikaze drones to target India’s military installations. 

Bhargavastra Introduction

Successful trial of Bhargavastra marks a significant leap in countering escalating threats of drone swarms in warfare. It is the first micro missile based counter drone system developed to address a crucial capability gap in our defence infrastructure. Having very few comparable systems globally, its low cost is what makes it distinct and desirable. Another feather in the Make in India mission, Bhargavastra is set to reshape the future of air defence.

Also Read: Missiles of India  

‹ ›

Bhargavastra Recent Test

The Bhargavastra system was put through 3 trials under Single and Salvo mode on 13th May in presence of 3 army officials at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha.  

• 2 tests on single mode fired 1 rocket each
• 1 trial on Salvo mode was conducted by firing 2 rockets within 2 seconds. 

All 4 rockets of Bhargavastra system performed as expected and achieved required launch parameters underscoring pioneering technology in mitigating large scale drone attack. It demonstrated capability to detect small aerial vehicles at predefined ranges and neutralizing them using micro munitions. 

Bhargavastra Multi Layered Defence Mechanism

Bhargavastra is designed for both hard kill and potential soft kill capabilities. The primary method of engagement involves a dual layered kinetic approach 

• Layer 1: Comprising unguided micro rockets with 20 meter lethal radius, capable of neutralizing multiple drones within 2.5 km range.Particularly effective against drone swarms, allowing for the engagement of multiple targets simultaneously.
• Layer 2: Includes guided micro missiles (previously validated through independent tests) to offer surgical accuracy against high value or elusive air targets ensuring precise and impactful neutralization.

Also Read: SCALP Missile

Bhargavastra Features

Bhargavastra is a low cost, hard kill counter drone system with indigenously designed micro rockets and missiles, with its lethal precision and reliability it signifies a leap for Indian counter drone warfare capabilities. Certain features which makes Bhargavastra unique are

• Adaptability- Specifically engineered for diverse geographical terrains in India. Bhargavastra can be deployed from desert plains to high altitude mountains ranging upto 5000 meters.
• Modular and Scalable- The system can be customized to incorporate an additional soft skill layer consisting of jamming and spoofing techniques thus providing an integrated approach and comprehensive shield against UAVs for all branches of Armed Forces. 
• Mobile Platform-  Can be mounted on a mobile platform to ensure rapid deployment in threat areas.  
• Simultaneous Launch Capability– It can launch simultaneously upto 64 micro missiles.
• All Indigenous– All components detection sensors, radars, strike mechanism architecture, Electro Optical (EO) and Radio Frequency (RF) receivers are all indigenously researched and manufactured. This allows integration of multiple sensors enabling layered air defence cover to mission specific requirements.
• Seamless Integration- Supports seamless integration with existing network centric warfare infrastructure in the nation enhancing real time operational coordination.  

Bhargavastra Control Centre

A sophisticated Control and Command Centre is at the heart of Bhargavastra. Central to its effectiveness it has state of the art systems which come with the advantage of C4I-Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence offering real time situational awareness making it viable for network centric warfare. 

Bhargavastra Future Prospects

While successful test is a significant achievement, potential areas of improvement in Bhargavastra can include

• Increased Range and Precision 
• Incorporation of more wide ranged and sophisticated sensors 
• AI integration to enhance system’s autonomy in threat detection, tracking and engagement
• Development of specialized variants to cater to exclusive needs of different branches- Army, Navy and Air force

Bhargavastra Significance for India

Bhargavastra offers a unified solution for India’s UAV threat. Significant strategic implications for India include- 

• Enhanced Air defence capabilities
• Technological advancement and self reliance
• Deterrence to other Nations
• Strong player in Regional power dynamics
• Cost Effectiveness

Bhargavastra Leap for India

Bhargavastra represents a crucial advancement in India’s defense capabilities, providing a robust and cost-effective solution to the evolving threat of drone warfare. Its indigenous development aligns with the nation’s strategic goals of self-reliance and enhanced national security, positioning India as a key player in the rapidly advancing field of counter-drone technology.