India’s Army and Air Force will acquire 16 domestically developed drone detection and interdiction systems capable of turning off unmanned aerial vehicles, The Times of India reported.
As part of the measure, the Indian Ministry of Defence is expected to clear the latest model of the Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System Mark 2, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The system uses a 10‑kilowatt laser and can engage targets at ranges of up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), while its previous version had a maximum range of about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles).
Moreover, The Times of India reported that the armed forces are currently testing a direct-energy weapon developed by DRDO.
The system uses a 30-kilowatt laser capable of hitting targets up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away and was first tested in April to engage fixed-wing aircraft, missiles, and drone swarms.
Boosting Counter-Drone Capabilities
New Delhi is expanding its counter-drone capabilities, aligning operational requirements with defense sector self-reliance objectives.
In October, India’s Axiscades Technologies secured a contract to supply 12 man-portable counter-drone systems to the Indian Army.
These units can detect drones at distances of up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) and jam their communications across multiple frequencies.
Earlier this year, the Indian firm Solar Group tested a kinetic counter-drone swarm system under development for the army.
During trials, the Bhargavastra micro-missile system engaged simulated targets at over 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) and 400 meters (1,312 feet) of altitude.
The system includes a command-and-control suite, radar, and seeker-equipped mini missiles with a range of up to 6 kilometers (3.7 miles).
