India’s Counter-Drone Strategy: How the Army is Neutralising UAV Threats

Drone warfare is reshaping modern conflicts, with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) becoming key threats along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The Indian Army is responding with advanced anti-drone systems, directed energy weapons (DEWs), and counter-swarm technologies to secure its operational domains.

Recognising the need for enhanced interception, the Army has floated a tender for nine additional Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction Systems (IDD&IS). These systems use soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (laser) capabilities, currently effective up to 5 km for jamming and 800 meters for hard-kill. Given the rise of stealthier and swarm drones, the Army is now prioritising interception at 5-8 km and beyond.

Upgrading Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has reportedly developed laser-based DEWs ranging from 2-kilowatt to 10-kilowatt, with 23 units ordered for ₹400 crore. These are now being upgraded to higher-power DEWs, designed for longer range, greater precision, and hypersonic threat neutralisation.

Industry Collaborations & Indigenous Solutions

To bolster defences, the Indian Army is also engaging with private industry. A joint venture between US-based Anduril Industries and India's Mahindra Group, formed after the Modi-Trump summit, will co-produce an AI-enabled counter-UAS system tailored for Army operations.

The D4 System, developed by DRDO and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is already being deployed. It provides real-time detection, tracking, and neutralisation of micro and small UAVs using optical/thermal imaging and RF-spectrum analysis.

Breakthrough in Counter-Swarm Technology

The Army is also looking at cost-effective counter-swarm capabilities. On January 15, 2025, the 'Bhargavastra' micro-missile system, being developed for the Indian Army, was successfully tested at Gopalpur-on-Sea Firing Range, detecting UAVs beyond 6 km and neutralising threats at 2.5 km. Capable of launching 64 micro missiles simultaneously, Bhargavastra is set to become India's first micro-missile-based counter-drone system.

Enhancing Long-Range Strike Capabilities

Beyond counter-drone systems, the Army is FURTHER modernising its long-range firepower. The Pinaka III rocket system, currently under development by DRDO, will extend its range to 120 km, surpassing the Russian-origin Smerch system (90 km). According to reports, the Indian Army is set to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities with a major Pinaka ammunition deal. By the end of this fiscal year (March 31, 2025), contracts worth ₹10,200 crore are expected to be signed for Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher ammunition.

This deal comprises two main contracts: ₹5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented rounds with a 45 km range and ₹4,500 crore for area denial munitions effective up to 37 km. The ammunition will be produced by Solar Industries and Munitions India Limited in a 60:40 ratio. This procurement will support the Indian Army's existing four Pinaka regiments and six additional regiments currently being inducted, bolstering its long-range artillery capabilities, particularly in high-altitude areas along the China border.

Boosting Tactical UAV Capabilities

To enhance battlefield surveillance and strike capability, the Army is procuring Tactical Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs). Lotus Advance Technologies Pvt Ltd, an Indian company, and Israel's Steadicopter Pvt Ltd are collaborating on the 'Golden Eagle' program.

This initiative integrates advanced sensors and Rafael's Spike SR/LR2 missiles, providing extended reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities. The Golden Eagle HS (Heavy Strike) RUAV has a total takeoff weight of 50 kilograms and is compatible with Spike SR (2.5 km range) and LR2 (5.5 km range) missiles. This collaboration aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative, with production planned at Lotus's facility in Uttar Pradesh.

Redefining Aerial Defence

The Indian Army is not just reacting to UAV threats-it is setting new benchmarks in aerial defence. With DEWs, counter-swarm micro-missiles, AI-powered counter-UAS systems, and long-range UAV detection, India is reinforcing its dominance in drone warfare and battlefield intelligence. These technological advancements ensure greater operational agility, securing India's airspace and battlefield superiority in modern warfare.

Ashu Maan is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He is currently pursuing his PhD from Amity University, Noida, in Defence and Strategic Studies.