India successfully tests advanced anti-drone system 'Bhargavastra' amid rising drone threats from Pakistan

BHUBANESWAR: As drone attacks from Pakistan continue to be a frequent occurrence, India has successfully tested a cutting-edge anti-drone system. The trial took place today at the Sea Ward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha.

The system, named Bhargavastra, has been developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL). It is capable of detecting and neutralising small drones within a 2.5-kilometre radius. Multiple tests were conducted using micro-rockets specifically designed for this purpose.

The rockets used in the system can also detect enemy presence up to 6 kilometres away. Bhargavastra is designed for deployment across a wide range of terrains in India — from deserts to mountainous regions as high as 5,000 metres. It includes technology to assess how to operate effectively based on environmental conditions.

A radar integrated into Bhargavastra enables it to detect unmanned surveillance vehicles from as far as 10 kilometres away.

The successful trial of Bhargavastra comes shortly after the effective deployment of India's S-400 missile defence system during Operation Sindoor, showcasing yet another milestone in India’s defence capabilities.