You dont have javascript enabled! Please enable it! Taiwan Seeks India’s Battle-Proven D4 Anti-Drone System to Counter Chinese Threats - Indian Defence Research Wing
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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

Taiwan has formally requested the purchase of India’s indigenously developed Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy (D4) anti-drone system, sources told idrw.org. The system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Zen Technologies, gained global attention for its effectiveness in neutralizing Turkish-origin drones and loitering munitions during the recent India-Pakistan conflict. Taiwan’s interest marks a significant step in strengthening defense ties with India amid growing regional tensions with China.

The D4 system, a cornerstone of India’s counter-drone capabilities, demonstrated its prowess in Operation Sindoor, where it successfully jammed and neutralized Pakistani drone swarms, including Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB2 drones and other loitering munitions. The system’s multi-layered approach, combining soft-kill techniques like radio frequency (RF) jamming and GPS spoofing with hard-kill options such as laser-based directed energy weapons (DEWs), proved highly effective in thwarting aerial incursions along India’s western border.

A DRDO official confirmed to idrw.org that Taiwan’s request reflects the D4 system’s growing reputation as a battle-proven solution. “The system’s 360-degree coverage and dual-kill capabilities have attracted significant interest from nations facing similar drone threats,” the official said. Taiwan, which faces increasing drone incursions from China, particularly along its airbases and maritime boundaries, sees India’s D4 system as a critical asset to bolster its air defense network.

India’s DRDO has also showcased a 30kW DEW, which the Indian Army plans to procure to further enhance its anti-drone capabilities. This laser-based system, developed by DRDO’s Centre for High Energy Systems and Sciences (CHESS) in Hyderabad, can engage drones at ranges up to 4-5 km, offering a potent hard-kill solution. Taiwan’s interest extends to this technology, with discussions reportedly underway for potential collaboration or technology transfer.

The request comes at a time when defense observers have urged India to open arms sales to Taiwan, particularly in light of China’s extensive military support to Pakistan and other regional players like Bangladesh. China has supplied Pakistan with advanced drones, including the CH-4A, and reportedly facilitated the acquisition of Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones, which were used against India in recent conflicts. Despite these provocations, India has so far refrained from direct arms sales to Taiwan, likely due to diplomatic sensitivities. However, Taiwan’s request for the D4 system could signal a shift in India’s strategic calculus, especially as China continues to arm India’s adversaries.

“India’s reluctance to supply arms to Taiwan has been a missed opportunity,” said a defense analyst speaking to idrw.org. “China’s unabashed support for Pakistan’s military, including drones and missiles used against India, justifies a reciprocal approach. Supplying Taiwan with advanced systems like the D4 could not only counterbalance China’s influence but also position India as a key player in the global defense market.”

The D4 system, inducted across all three Indian armed services, is available in both static and vehicle-mounted configurations, making it versatile for diverse operational needs. Its success in neutralizing drone swarms, a growing threat in modern warfare, has drawn inquiries from multiple nations, including Armenia and Vietnam. BEL is reportedly preparing to scale up production to meet both domestic and potential export demands, with Taiwan’s request likely to accelerate these efforts.

As India strengthens its ‘Make in India’ initiative, the D4 system’s export potential underscores the country’s growing prowess in defense innovation. A successful deal with Taiwan could pave the way for deeper defense cooperation, potentially including joint development of advanced counter-drone technologies. With China’s aggressive posturing in the Indo-Pacific, India’s strategic outreach to Taiwan could serve as a critical counterweight, reshaping regional security dynamics.

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