SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant stride toward bolstering urban security, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is gearing up to deploy its indigenously developed D4 (Drone Detect, Deter, Destroy) counter-drone system at vital installations across India’s cities. Announced on March 27, 2025, this advanced solution is designed to counter the rising menace of rogue unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), offering a robust shield against potential drone attacks in densely populated areas.
The D4 system, a product of DRDO’s cutting-edge research, is an integrated counter-drone platform engineered to detect and neutralize rogue UAVs with precision. Capable of addressing both micro and small drones, it combines multiple technologies to ensure comprehensive protection. The system employs a “soft kill” mechanism to instantly detect and jam drone communications, disrupting their command-and-control links, and a “hard kill” laser-based mechanism to physically terminate targets at ranges of up to 3 kilometers. This dual approach makes D4 a versatile tool against the evolving threat of unauthorized drones.
A senior DRDO scientist elaborated on the system’s capabilities, stating, “The interceptor drones would autonomously engage rogue UAVs mid-flight, designed to adapt to terrains, threat levels, and operational environments with speed, precision, and non-collateral impact.” This adaptability is crucial in urban settings, where minimizing collateral damage is paramount. The D4’s ability to operate effectively in cluttered environments—such as cityscapes with high-rise buildings and heavy electromagnetic interference—sets it apart as a tailored solution for India’s security needs.
The D4 system integrates advanced sensors, including radio-frequency (RF) detection and X-band radar, for early identification of UAVs, even those with low radar cross-sections. Once detected, its AI-powered threat classification assesses the drone’s intent, enabling rapid decision-making. For neutralization, the system deploys electronic jamming to disable the drone’s navigation and communication (soft kill), followed, if necessary, by a high-energy laser to destroy it (hard kill). This multi-layered approach ensures that threats are addressed swiftly and decisively.
The impending deployment follows successful operational trials, with the system already proving its mettle in border regions like Punjab, Jammu, and the Northeast, where it has thwarted cross-border UAV intrusions. Now, as drone technology becomes more accessible—posing risks from espionage to weaponized attacks in urban centers—the D4 is poised to protect key infrastructure such as government buildings, airports, and power plants. The move aligns with India’s broader strategy to counter asymmetric threats, a concern heightened by global conflicts showcasing drones’ disruptive potential.
Developed entirely in-house by DRDO, the D4 exemplifies India’s push for self-reliance under the “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” initiative. Its 3-kilometer engagement range, while modest compared to some international systems, is optimized for urban scenarios where short-range, precise interventions are critical. The system’s interceptor drones add a dynamic layer, autonomously pursuing and neutralizing rogue UAVs mid-flight, a feature that enhances its responsiveness in fast-evolving situations.
The deployment announcement comes amid growing concerns over rogue drones in India. From smuggling contraband across borders to potential terrorist applications, UAVs have emerged as a pressing challenge. The D4’s urban rollout will complement existing counter-drone measures, such as the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDD&IS) along the China border, and builds on DRDO’s collaboration with industry partners like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and private firms like Paras Defence, which recently secured a ?142 crore contract for a related anti-drone laser system.
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