A new low-cost counter-drone system in hard kill mode named Bhargavastra has been successfully tested by Solar Defence and Aerospace (SDAL) at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur. The tests, held on May 13, 2025, mark a key step forward in India’s efforts to counter the rising threat of drone swarms.
Trials conducted in presence of Army officials
Three test trials were carried out at the Gopalpur range in the presence of senior Indian Army officials. According to the company, two trials were conducted by firing one micro rocket each. The third trial involved firing two rockets in salvo mode within two seconds.
“All four rockets performed as expected and achieved the required launch parameters underscoring its pioneering technology in mitigating large-scale drone attacks,” Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited said in a statement.
Micro rockets aimed at drone threats
Bhargavastra is designed to detect and destroy multiple drones simultaneously. The system uses micro rockets to directly hit and neutralize incoming drones, especially in swarm formations. SDAL stated that this technology is developed to provide a reliable defence solution against drone incursions, including potential threats in sensitive or contested zones.
Defence projects reviewed by Prime Minister
In March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Solar Industries’ facility in Nagpur, Maharashtra, where he reviewed key indigenous defence projects, including a new loitering munition system called Nagastra-3. The weapon system is currently in its prototype stage and is being developed by SDAL under the Ministry of Defence’s Project Sanction Order.
Nagastra-3 loitering munition in prototype phase
Nagastra-3 is being developed under the Make-I category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020. It has an operational range of up to 100 kilometres and can stay airborne for more than five hours. This loitering munition is designed to hover over a designated area and strike the target once it is identified, making it suitable for use in complex and mobile threat environments.
Use of loitering munitions in recent operations
India recently deployed loitering munitions in Operation Sindoor. These systems, also known as suicide drones or kamikaze drones, are designed to locate and engage targets with high precision. Unlike conventional missiles, these drones can wait in the air before striking, reducing collateral damage.
Once a target is identified, the loitering munition locks on, crashes into the target, and explodes. These drones are increasingly being used for engaging high-value or mobile targets without exposing human pilots.
