SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with India’s private defense sector, has embarked on an ambitious project to develop a swarm of drones with integrated payloads, designed to be launched from Indian Air Force (IAF) transporters such as the C-130J Super Hercules and C-295M. This initiative, named LOCUST (Low-Cost Unmanned Area Swarm Technology), aims to revolutionize the IAF’s tactical capabilities by leveraging swarm technology for a range of missions, including communication, electronic warfare (EW), radar surveillance, and electro-optical (EO) operations.
These technologies enable the swarm to operate as a cohesive unit, sharing data and executing missions autonomously or under human supervision. Launched from IAF transporters like the C-130J and C-295M, the drones can be deployed rapidly in contested environments, providing a low-cost, scalable solution for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and combat operations.
The ability to launch swarms from I AFM transporters offers significant tactical advantages. The C-130J and C-295M, with their proven airlift capabilities, can deploy these drones over vast distances, enabling rapid response to emerging threats. The swarm’s integrated payloads make it versatile for a range of missions, including suppressing enemy air defenses (SEAD), conducting EW operations to jam enemy radar and communications, and providing real-time battlefield surveillance. The weaponized drones within the swarm can also engage high-value targets, enhancing the IAF’s strike capabilities without risking manned aircraft.
LOCUST: Enabling Technologies for Swarm Drones
The LOCUST program focuses on developing a swarm of drones equipped with advanced, integrated payloads tailored for multi-domain operations. Key enabling technologies include:
- Multi-Dynamic Radar Operation with Co-operative Transmission: Ensures seamless radar coordination within the swarm for enhanced detection and tracking.
- Miniaturized Sensors Based on SoC Architecture: Reduces size and weight while maintaining high performance for radar and EO systems.
- Dynamically Reconfigurable Antenna Array: Allows the swarm to adapt its communication and sensing capabilities in real-time, improving flexibility during missions.
- SDR Pods with MANET Waveforms: Software-Defined Radio (SDR) pods using Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) waveforms enable robust, decentralized communication within the swarm.
- Weaponized Drones: Select drones in the swarm can be armed, providing a lethal capability for precision strikes.
- Electro-Optic Payloads: High-resolution EO sensors for surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
- Directed Energy Payloads: Advanced directed energy systems for non-kinetic effects, such as disabling enemy electronics.
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