As drones are reshaping how conflicts are fought, the race is also on to counter this threat. Counter-drone systems fall into two distinct categories: kinetic (hard-kill) and non-kinetic (soft-kill). Both operate on different operational philosophies.The soft-kill method depends on breaking the link between the operator and the drone, which is achieved by jamming the frequency on which the drone operates. Soft-kill systems may also utilise GPS jamming and spoofing to mislead or confuse the drone’s navigation system, causing it to behave erratically. Electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) can also be used to disable drones, although this method is less commonly employed.The hard-kill option, on the other hand, involves the physical destruction of the drone. Different hard-kill methods are in use, ranging from guns and missiles to interceptor drones and lasers.Both private industry and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are developing different systems to tackle this emerging threat.India’s counter-drone capability has expanded rapidly in recent years, reflecting the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems in modern conflict. Indigenous systems capable of both hard-kill and soft-kill operations, such as Bhargavastra, Indrajaal, BEL’s D4 anti-drone system, UAV-launched precision-guided missiles and interceptor drones, have been developed domestically. Together, these systems combine rockets, micro-missiles, lasers, jammers and AI-driven detection systems to neutralise hostile UAVs and drone swarms across varied terrain.The Bhargavastra counter-swarm system, developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace, is a vehicle-mounted solution capable of engaging drones using precision micro-missiles. It integrates radar, electro-optical sensors and radio frequency detectors, providing layered defence against both individual UAVs and drone swarms, even in high-altitude regions. The system has already been demonstrated to the Indian Army.Another similar system is Indrajaal. It employs radar, radio frequency detection and AI analytics to deliver both soft-kill jamming and hard-kill capabilities through an interceptor drone called the Zombee. This quadcopter-based solution functions as a racer drone that intercepts and physically collides with an incoming hostile drone.The DRDO-developed and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)-manufactured D4 anti-drone system is available in both portable and vehicle-mounted configurations. It combines radar detection with RF jamming, satellite navigation denial and laser-based neutralisation in a single platform. The system has already been operationally deployed.DRDO has also developed the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Munition (ULPGM), including the ULPGM-V3 missile, capable of engaging both ground and aerial targets. This compact missile can neutralise aerial threats such as drones. The system is designed with anti-jamming features and an indigenous supply chain for rapid deployment. Adani Defence and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) are the development-cum-production partners for this weapon, which is still under development.Together, these systems provide the building blocks of a comprehensive counter-drone shield. Bhargavastra offers a cost-effective hard-kill option, Indrajaal provides AI-driven area defence, BEL’s D4 adds portable directed-energy and electronic warfare capabilities, while the ULPGM extends precision engagement against aerial threats. Collectively, these systems are analogous to those being developed in the West, demonstrating that India is keeping pace with global advances in this critical and rapidly evolving field.
