India has achieved a significant milestone in its defence capabilities with the development of Bhargavastra, an indigenous counter-drone system that has drawn global attention. With this system, India becomes
the only country to possess a home-grown platform capable of simultaneously launching more than 60 micro-missiles, 64 to be precise, to neutralise hostile drone swarms.
Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Limited (SDAL) in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Bhargavastra is designed to eliminate multiple drones within seconds. On January 19, 2026, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the system’s success as a major boost to India’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Bhargavastra: Technology, Capability and Development
- Manufacture and Development: Bhargavastra has been developed using fully indigenous technology by Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of the Solar Group. The system underwent successful trials at Gopalpur in Odisha in May 2025.
- Unprecedented Firepower: The system can launch 64 micro-missiles or rockets in a single salvo within 10 seconds. By comparison, similar systems deployed globally are capable of firing only up to four missiles at a time.
- Multi-layered Defence: Bhargavastra operates on a two-tier mechanism. The first layer uses unguided rockets to neutralise drone swarms within close range, while the second layer employs precision-guided micro-missiles for targeted interception.
- Range and Detection: The system is capable of detecting hostile drones from a distance of 6 to 10 kilometres and can effectively destroy targets up to a range of 2.5 kilometres.
- Cost Efficiency: Officials say Bhargavastra is far more cost-effective than conventional surface-to-air missile systems such as the S-400, making it suitable for countering low-cost aerial threats like drones.
Key Questions Explained
Why is Bhargavastra being termed a ‘drone killer’?
The system is specifically engineered to counter drone swarms that are difficult to track using conventional radar. Its ability to fire 64 micro-missiles simultaneously allows it to neutralise mass drone attacks within seconds.
Can the system operate in all weather and terrain conditions?
Yes. Bhargavastra is designed for deployment across varied and challenging terrains, including deserts and high-altitude, snow-bound regions above 5,000 metres.
What is Bhargavastra’s most distinctive feature?
Its ‘salvo mode’ capability, which enables the launch of more than 60 missiles at once, making it the highest-capacity system of its kind globally.
Is the system mobile?
Yes. Bhargavastra is mounted on an all-terrain mobile platform, allowing rapid movement and deployment across different battlefield conditions.
Why is Bhargavastra strategically important for India?
The system significantly strengthens India’s air defence against the growing threat of drone warfare, particularly from neighbouring countries such as China and Pakistan, while also safeguarding high-value missile defence assets from low-cost aerial attacks.
