India has achieved a significant milestone by successfully testing its first indigenous micro-missile system, Bhargavastra. This cutting-edge technology has been designed to tackle the emerging threat of swarm drones—multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating as a coordinated system to overwhelm defenses. Bhargavastra represents a leap forward in ensuring India’s preparedness against modern aerial threats.
Key Features of Bhargavastra
Exceptional Detection Capability:
Bhargavastra can detect small, incoming drones from over 6 kilometers away, making it highly effective against swarm attacks.
Rapid Response:
Designed for quick deployment on mobile platforms, the system ensures immediate readiness in critical situations.
Multi-Target Engagement:
It can simultaneously detect, track, and engage up to 64 targets, providing robust protection against large-scale drone threats.
Guided Micro Munitions:
Bhargavastra employs advanced micro munitions capable of being guided to destroy identified aerial threats with precision.
Significance of Bhargavastra
Combatting Swarm Drones:
Swarm drones, used for reconnaissance and coordinated attacks, pose a significant challenge to traditional defense systems.
Bhargavastra’s advanced capabilities fill a critical gap in India’s defense arsenal.
Indigenization in Defense:
Developed under the Make in India initiative, Bhargavastra demonstrates the country’s growing expertise in indigenous defense technology.
Enhanced National Security:
With the capability to counter emerging aerial threats, Bhargavastra bolsters India’s preparedness for modern warfare.
Dual-Use Technology:
While primarily a defense system, its underlying technology can also be adapted for civilian purposes such as disaster management and air traffic control.
Broader Context for UPSC Aspirants
Technology in Warfare:
Bhargavastra aligns with global trends in modern warfare, where unmanned systems and AI-driven technology are increasingly prominent.
Defense Modernization:
As India aims to become self-reliant in defense production, systems like Bhargavastra highlight the importance of indigenization in reducing dependency on imports.
International Collaboration:
Such technologies offer potential for defense exports, enhancing India’s standing in global arms markets.
Geopolitical Implications:
With rising tensions in regions like South Asia, robust defense capabilities like Bhargavastra reinforce strategic deterrence.
Practice Question
Consider the following statements regarding Bhargavastra:
Bhargavastra is an indigenous missile system designed to counter swarm drone threats.
It can detect and engage up to 64 targets simultaneously.
Bhargavastra is capable of detecting incoming drones at distances exceeding 10 kilometers.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
1 & 2 only