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SOURCE: AFI

The Bofors 40mm Automatic Gun L/70, originally developed by the Swedish arms manufacturer AB Bofors, has been a cornerstone of air defense systems for decades. Recently, the legacy weapon system received a significant technological boost, as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) integrated its Drone Guard System (DGS) into the platform. This development underscores the evolving role of the L/70 autocannon in countering emerging aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones.

The upgraded Bofors L/70 now features BEL’s advanced Drone Guard System, which has been specifically designed to detect, track, and neutralize rogue drones. The DGS works to provide security to the autocannon also as an integrated solution for low-altitude aerial threats.

The upgraded system offers a cost-effective, multi-role capability for defending critical infrastructure, military bases, and urban areas against drone incursions. Its integration with the proven L/70 autocannon allows for a dual capability to handle both traditional aerial threats, such as helicopters and low-flying aircraft, and modern challenges like swarm drone attacks.

The modernization of the Bofors L/70 with BEL’s indigenous Drone Guard System aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, showcasing the potential for legacy platforms to be upgraded with cutting-edge technology.

The integration also opens opportunities for exporting this hybrid system to other nations, especially those operating the Bofors L/70 and facing drone-related threats. With the growing demand for counter-drone solutions worldwide, this innovation by BEL could position India as a global leader in this domain.

Key Features of the Drone Guard System

Integration with Autocannon:
The integration of the DGS with the L/70 autocannon ensures a multi-layered defense, where drones can be jammed electronically or destroyed kinetically using the autocannon.

Detection Capability:
The system uses the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to detect the presence of drones. This allows for the identification of targets based on their communication and control signals, even in complex electromagnetic environments.

Tracking Precision:
Equipped with an Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO-IR) sensor, the DGS provides continuous tracking of the drone, ensuring accurate targeting even under challenging weather or visibility conditions.

Neutralization Technology:
Once a drone is identified as a threat, the system’s neutralizer scans for the drone’s communication frequencies. It then generates RF jamming signals to disrupt the drone’s control link, effectively neutralizing it and rendering it inoperative.