SOURCE: AFI

In a groundbreaking advancement for India’s indigenous defense sector, Gurugram-based deep-tech startup Sharang Shakti has introduced vajR, a fully autonomous hard-kill drone interceptor system designed to neutralize hostile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in real-time.
Launched on July 03, 2025, this innovative platform marks one of the first efforts by an Indian private firm to deliver a reusable, AI-enabled kinetic defense solution, tailored to counter the escalating threat of drone incursions across India’s borders. As drone warfare becomes a critical security concern, vajR’s combination of smart targeting, high-speed interception, and reusability positions it as a game-changer in modern aerial defense.
Unlike conventional counter-drone systems that depend on soft-kill methods such as jamming or spoofing, which can be ineffective against advanced drones with robust navigation systems, vajR employs a kinetic elimination strategy. The system is deployed from a dedicated autonomous hangar, where it receives initial targeting data from ground-based radar or optical sensors. Once airborne, vajR autonomously navigates toward the hostile drone, leveraging onboard sensors and neural networks to identify, lock onto, and physically collide with the target, effectively neutralizing it mid-air.
This hard-kill approach is particularly valuable in high-threat zones, such as along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China or the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, where signal interference or latency can render soft-kill techniques unreliable. The recent India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025, where Pakistan’s YIHA-III drones were disabled by Indian electronic warfare, highlights the need for versatile defense systems like vajR, capable of addressing both electronic and kinetic threats.
Key Features and Technology StackWhat sets vajR apart is its entirely indigenous development by Sharang Shakti, encompassing control software, avionics, sensor fusion, and onboard AI. This homegrown technology stack reflects India’s push toward self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, reducing dependence on foreign systems.
- Proprietary Autonomy Engine: At the heart of vajR is Sharang Shakti’s in-house guidance and control system, enabling precise high-speed maneuvers even during engagements with agile enemy drones. This engine ensures stability and responsiveness in complex aerodynamic environments.
- Onboard EO/IR Sensor & ML Models: Within 50–100 meters of the target, vajR transitions to its internal targeting system, utilizing a forward-looking electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor. Paired with a deep learning model trained on thousands of drone profiles, it achieves autonomous target recognition, tracking, and engagement, minimizing reliance on external inputs.
- Kinetic Kill with Kevlar Protection: Upon locking onto the target, vajR executes a high-speed collision to destroy the hostile drone. Critical components are encased in a Kevlar-reinforced dome, allowing the interceptor to survive the impact and return to base, enhancing its reusability—a stark contrast to single-use systems.
- Swarming Capability: Designed for coordinated operations, vajR can function in swarms, enabling multiple units to tackle large drone formations simultaneously, a critical feature against swarm attacks seen in modern conflicts.
- Autonomous Hangar: The ground-based module autonomously manages vajR units, handling charging, launching, and recovery without human intervention. This ensures 24/7 operational readiness, a vital asset for rapid response scenarios.
Sharang Shakti, founded in 2023 by a team of IIT Delhi alumni, has leveraged its deep-tech expertise to position vajR as a “From India, For Global” solution. With $599,000 raised in a pre-seed round in September 2024, the startup is poised to refine the system, potentially integrating it with indigenous radar under development and exploring fragmentation explosives for larger threats. The Indian Armed Forces, including the IAF and Army, are likely to evaluate vajR for integration, especially following its combat-tested counterparts like the Harop during recent conflicts.
NOTE: AFI is a proud outsourced content creator partner of IDRW.ORG. All content created by AFI is the sole property of AFI and is protected by copyright. AFI takes copyright infringement seriously and will pursue all legal options available to protect its content.