The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

On January 15, 2025, India successfully tested the indigenous 'Bhargavastra' micro-missile system, designed to counter swarm drones. Developed by 'Economic Explosives Limited', the system can detect small drones at over 6-km and take them down using guided micro munitions. In the two firings at the Gopalpur-on-Sea Firing Range, Bhargavastra successfully engaged two virtual targets beyond 2.5 km range. Following these preliminary trials, comprehensive trials are being scheduled, before the system is inducted into the Armed Forces.

Bhargavastra has demonstrated its capability to detect small aerial drones and neutralise them using guided micro munitions. The system features simultaneous launch capability of over 64 micro missiles. Economic Explosives Limited is developing this mobile platform-mounted system for rapid deployment to threat areas. Its design accommodates operations across various terrains, including high-altitude regions, meeting specific military requirements. As the first micro missile-based system developed for the Army Air Defence (AAD), it addresses a crucial capability gap. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also expressed interest in the system.

Bhargavastra has demonstrated its capability to detect small aerial drones and neutralise them using guided micro munitions

Considering the preponderance of drones in the battlefield, as witnessed in the war in Ukraine, cost-effective counter-drone solutions are essential, enabling their deployment in large numbers. This, in turn, enables preserving advanced air defence systems for more substantial threats. With Bhargavastra, India has achieved a significant milestone in defence technology. The system ensures faster deployment and higher operational efficiency, particularly in high-altitude and challenging terrains. Its ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously improves the military's readiness to counter large-scale drone attacks; reducing dependency on defence imports. The availability of few comparable systems globally highlights the strategic advantage of Bhargavastra for the Indian Armed Forces.

Concurrently, there is news that the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is on the cusp of developing the Pinaka III rocket having a range of 120-km; surpassing the 90-km range of the Russian-origin Smerch system. The Pinaka III system will significantly enhance the envelope of Indian Army's artillery units. The extended reach allows for deeper interdiction, aerial denial, and support in both offensive and defensive operations against distant targets. The new variant is expected to incorporate advanced guidance systems, possibly to include satellite guidance for precision strikes, thereby reducing collateral damage and enhancing effectiveness in varied combat scenarios. Trials for the Pinaka III system are planned by the DRDO later this year. It is obvious that successful trials of the Pinaka III implies induction of the system into the Indian Army, as also possibly replacing systems with shorter ranges in the Indian Army.

DRDO is on the cusp of developing the Pinaka III rocket having a range of 120-km, significantly enhancing the envelope of Indian Army's artillery units

The Indian Army is pushing for the indigenous Pinaka rockets system and is poised to ink a deal worth ₹10,200 crore deal within the current fiscal year. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said during his annual press briefing that two Pinaka contracts (₹5,700 crore for high-explosive pre-fragmented ammunition and ₹2,500 crore for area denial munitions) are all set to be inked before the current fiscal ends on March 31. Mentioning that the DRDO has developed a variety of ammunition for the Pinaka, including rockets with 45-km extended range ang 75-km guided extended range, with plans underway to further enhance the range first to 120-km and then to 300-km, General Dwivedi said, "As soon as we get longer ranges, we might drop plans for other alternate long-range weapons we are looking at and concentrate on it (Pinaka III)."

The six new Pinaka regiments, under contracts inked with Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Larsen & Toubro, (L&T) comprise 114 launchers with automated gun aiming and positioning systems, and 45 command posts, along with 330 vehicles. They are equipped with electronically and mechanically improved weapon systems capable of firing a variety of ammunition over longer ranges.

According to news reports of January 18, 2025, India's Lotus Advance Technologies Pvt Ltd has formed a strategic partnership with Israel's Steadicopter Pvt Ltd to produce Tactical Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs), 'Golden Eagle', in India, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The partnership emphasises the 'Make in India' initiative by leveraging Lotus Advance Technologies' advanced manufacturing capabilities and Steadicopter's innovative designs. The production will take place at Lotus's facility in Uttar Pradesh, which is certified by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).

India's Lotus Advance Technologies has formed a strategic partnership with Israel's Steadicopter Pvt Ltd to produce Tactical Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs), 'Golden Eagle', in India

Engineered for precision, endurance, and adaptability, the Golden Eagle (name may change when produced in India) empowers armed forces with advanced situational awareness, seamless reconnaissance capabilities, and mission-critical support. Steadicopter's one standout product is the Golden Eagle HS (Heavy Strike), an advanced Rotary Unmanned Aerial System (RUAS). This system is set to redefine aerial tactical operations by incorporating Rafael's powerful Spike SR and LR2 missiles. These integrations enable precise, stand-off strike capabilities against various hard targets, including armoured vehicles, structures, and maritime vessels, thereby enhancing battlefield dominance.

The Golden Eagle RUAVs will incorporate cutting-edge features such as advanced sensor suites, precision strike capabilities, and extended flight times. These enhancements are expected to improve intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) operations for the Indian forces; meeting operational requirements of the Indian Military, including applications in border surveillance, urban warfare, and disaster management, taking into account India's diverse terrains and climatic conditions.