India successfully tested its first indigenously developed micro-missile system, 'Bhargavastra' at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges (GSFR) in Odisha on January 12 and 13. Designed to tackle the growing threat of swarm drones, this advanced system uses a cost-effective, multi-layered defense approach to detect and neutralize enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The system has been developed by Nagpur-based Solar Group through its subsidiary, Economic Explosives Ltd. (EEL). Fully designed and manufactured in India, 'Bhargavastra' represents a significant milestone in bolstering the nation's defence capabilities.

The first test flight, held on Sunday, January 12, at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Range (GSFR) in Odisha, successfully demonstrated the missile’s ability to hit an electronic target. During the test, the missile engaged the target at a distance of 2,500 meters and an altitude of 400 meters.

The system can be mounted on mobile platforms for quick deployment and is built to work smoothly in different types of terrain, including high-altitude regions. It is specifically designed to meet the operational requirements of India's armed forces.

The second test, conducted on Monday, January 13, was also a success. The missile tracked and destroyed a moving target designed to simulate a flying drone, according to the media reports.

The system is being upgraded with an additional "soft kill" feature, which will enhance its ability to handle a wider range of drone threats. Additionally, the Bhargavastra system is designed to work seamlessly with existing military networks, improving capabilities for modern, network-driven warfare.

In simple terms, "soft kill" refers to disabling or neutralizing a target, like a drone, without physically destroying it. This is often done using electronic methods to jam or disrupt its systems.

Bhargavastra: Defence against drone attacks

The system is designed to work efficiently across various Indian terrains, from deserts to mountains, and can operate at heights of up to 5,000 meters. This ensures strong defence against drone attacks from all directions along India's borders.

The Command-and-Control Centre uses advanced C4I systems ((Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) and has radar that can spot medium to large UAVs up to 10 km away and smaller drones up to 6 km.

The Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) system helps accurately detect targets with a low radar signature. Bhargavastra gives a clear view of the situation and can decide whether to disable single drones or swarms of enemy drones.

The Bhargavastra system is a major advancement in counter-drone technology. Reports suggest that while some advanced countries are working on similar micro-missile systems, no other nation has deployed a multi-layered system like Bhargavastra, which can also tackle drone swarms.

Bhargavastra: 64 Missiles, Mobile Defense

Precise dimensions and weight for the Bhargavastra system are not publicly available. This is likely due to strategic and security reasons. However, we can glean some information from its described features:

* Micro-missile system: This implies the missiles themselves are small and lightweight, fitting the definition of "micro".

* Mobile platform: The system is designed to be quickly deployed on a mobile platform, suggesting it's compact enough to be easily transported and maneuvered.

* 64 missiles: The launcher carries 64 micro-missiles, indicating a relatively large capacity while remaining portable.

* Counter-drone system: Its primary role is to counter swarm drones, so it must be agile and have a fast response time.

Taking these factors into account, the Bhargavastra system is likely to be:

* Relatively compact: Small enough for easy transportation and rapid deployment. 

* Lightweight: To facilitate mobility and maneuverability.

* High capacity: Able to hold and launch a significant number of micro-missiles.

While exact specifications remain undisclosed, it's safe to assume the system prioritizes portability and rapid deployment for effective counter-drone operations.