SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
At a recent defense demonstration, the Eastern Command of the Indian Army unveiled an impressive upgrade to its Smerch Multi Launch Rocket System (MLRS), with the addition of a Cope Cage for the first time. This enhancement is a significant development in the Army’s ongoing efforts to bolster the survivability and security of its heavy artillery against modern threats, including small kamikaze drones and FPV (First-Person View) drones.
While Cope Cage technology had previously been seen on the Indian Army’s T-90 and T-72 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs), this marks the first time the system has been integrated into rocket artillery systems like the Smerch MLRS. The move underscores the Army’s recognition of the evolving threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have become a major concern on modern battlefields.
The Cope Cage is an add-on armor system designed to provide additional protection to military vehicles and platforms against the threat of aerial attacks, particularly from small, fast-moving drones. The structure consists of a mesh-like cage that surrounds the vehicle and is designed to disrupt the flight path of incoming projectiles, including drones. The Cope Cage works by creating a physical barrier, preventing UAVs from striking critical parts of the vehicle, thus offering a level of protection against kamikaze drones and FPV drones, which have become increasingly popular for their precision and effectiveness in modern warfare.
The Smerch MLRS is one of the most advanced multiple rocket systems in the Indian Army’s arsenal. Known for its long-range precision, the Smerch can launch a variety of powerful guided and unguided rockets, making it a crucial asset in the Army’s artillery capabilities. Its primary role is to provide heavy fire support over large areas, targeting enemy infantry, armored vehicles, and fortified positions.
With the addition of the Cope Cage, the Smerch MLRS will now be better equipped to operate in environments where drone warfare is prevalent. Small kamikaze drones, often used by adversaries for pinpoint strikes on high-value targets, pose a significant risk to traditional artillery systems. The integration of the Cope Cage onto the Smerch MLRS platform adds an extra layer of protection, enhancing its survivability in an increasingly drone-dominated battlefield.
In recent years, the use of kamikaze drones—also known as suicide drones—has become a critical threat to military forces worldwide. These drones are designed to crash into their targets, carrying explosive payloads to cause maximum damage. Similarly, FPV drones—which are operated in real-time by an operator through a camera feed—can be used for surveillance or to launch precision strikes.
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