SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
Solar Industries, a Nagpur-based leader in defense manufacturing, has confirmed that its cutting-edge Bhargavastra Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS) will feature a versatile hardkill interceptor capability, incorporating both guided Bhargavastra micro-missiles and unguided Bhargavastra rockets.
This dual-mode approach marks a significant evolution in India’s indigenous counter-drone technology, offering a flexible and cost-effective solution to neutralize the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), including swarm drones. The announcement reinforces Solar Industries’ position at the forefront of India’s defense innovation landscape, aligning with the nation’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
The Bhargavastra CUAS, developed by Solar Industries’ subsidiary Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), has been designed to tackle the escalating challenge posed by drones in modern warfare. From loitering munitions to weaponized UAV swarms, these aerial threats have become a pressing concern for militaries worldwide, including the Indian Armed Forces. The Bhargavastra system addresses this with a multi-layered approach, combining advanced detection with both guided and unguided hardkill interceptors to deliver precise and scalable countermeasures.
Solar Industries first showcased the Bhargavastra’s potential earlier this year, with successful test-firings conducted on January 12 and 13 at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges in Odisha. Those trials demonstrated the guided micro-missile’s ability to detect and neutralize targets at ranges exceeding 2.5 kilometers, with a radar detection capability of up to 10 kilometers for medium-to-large UAVs and 6 kilometers for micro-drones. Now, the addition of unguided rockets expands the system’s versatility, promising a robust response to diverse aerial threats.
The guided variant of the Bhargavastra interceptor is the system’s flagship feature. These micro-missiles, launched from a canisterized platform, are equipped with advanced guidance systems, enabling them to track and engage small, fast-moving targets with pinpoint accuracy. Capable of neutralizing drones at altitudes up to 400 meters and ranges beyond 6 kilometers, the guided Bhargavastra offers a “hardkill” solution—physically destroying UAVs rather than merely disrupting them. Its Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system enhances detection of low-radar-signature targets, while the ability to fire up to 64 missiles simultaneously makes it a formidable counter to swarm attacks.
The guided micro-missiles have been lauded for their cost-effectiveness, a critical factor for large-scale deployment. Solar Industries has emphasized that the Bhargavastra provides an affordable alternative to expensive imported systems, delivering precision strikes without breaking the budget—a key advantage as drone threats proliferate.
The newly confirmed unguided Bhargavastra rockets add a complementary dimension to the CUAS. While lacking the precision guidance of their micro-missile counterparts, these rockets offer a high-volume, rapid-response option for saturating an area with firepower. Designed with a similar diameter to the guided missiles but featuring eight aft fins and a pointed nose—likely to penetrate a canister lid—the unguided rockets are optimized for versatility. They could serve as a Very Short Range (VSR) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) or fulfill auxiliary roles, such as engaging larger, less maneuverable targets or providing a barrage effect against clustered threats.
This dual-mode capability allows the Bhargavastra CUAS to adapt to varying tactical scenarios. The unguided rockets could be deployed in situations where overwhelming force is needed quickly, such as against dense drone swarms or in environments where precise targeting is less critical. By integrating both options into a single platform, Solar Industries ensures operational flexibility for the Indian Army, which is actively seeking scalable solutions to counter evolving UAV threats.
The Bhargavastra CUAS is mounted on a mobile platform, enhancing its deployability across diverse terrains—be it high-altitude regions like Ladakh or urban settings. Recent renders suggest a shift toward a Vertical Launch System (VLS) configuration, departing from the inclined launchers used in initial tests. This upgrade could streamline reload times and increase the system’s capacity, aligning with global trends in missile defense technology. The inclusion of both guided and unguided interceptors within this framework highlights Solar Industries’ forward-thinking design philosophy, blending precision and volume in a single, adaptable package.
The system’s radar, with a 10-kilometer range, and EO/IR sensors provide comprehensive situational awareness, enabling operators to assess threats and choose the appropriate interceptor—guided for precision or unguided for saturation. Plans to integrate soft-kill features, such as electronic jamming, further enhance its multi-layered approach, making Bhargavastra a holistic counter-drone solution.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.