The Indian Army is making big upgrades to its defense systems to protect against the growing threat of drones. One of the most advanced tools they’re looking into is called High-Power Microwave (HPM) systems. These systems can send out powerful energy beams that can disable or disrupt electronic devices, like drones, from up to 5 kilometers away.
Currently, the Indian Army relies on systems from Russia, such as Karshuka, Leer-3, Repellent, and Pole 21, to help counter drones. But now, they want something more powerful and integrated. They’re looking for a solution that can not only shoot down drones but also strengthen their command, control, air defense, and reporting systems, making everything work better together.
A retired brigadier named Arun Sahgal, who is the Executive Director of the Forum for Strategic Initiative, explained that HPM systems are a major breakthrough for the Indian Army. These systems use directed-energy weapons to target electronic components of drones and surveillance grids, effectively stopping them from working. Although the army hasn’t revealed how many of these systems they’ll deploy or their full capabilities, this technology represents a huge leap forward in modern warfare.
HPM systems offer a unique advantage because they can disrupt enemy equipment without the need for traditional weapons like missiles. Instead of physically destroying drones, these energy beams can jam their signals or completely shut down their electronics, making them useless. This approach is often more effective than trying to shoot down drones with missiles, which drones can evade by using clever tactics.
One challenge the Indian Army faces is getting these HPM systems to work in tough environments, like at high altitudes where the power supply is weaker and weather conditions can interfere with the technology. Still, these systems offer a strategic edge because they’re harder for enemies to avoid and can disrupt critical communications and radar systems used to guide drones.
Sahgal also mentioned that another similar weapon, called an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), can achieve similar effects. Both HPM and EMP weapons are considered “soft kill” methods because they disable electronics without causing physical damage, which is difficult for enemies to defend against.
The recent conflict between Ukraine and Russia, where Ukrainian forces have used Turkish-made Bayraktar drones, has shown the world just how vulnerable many countries are to drone warfare. Commodore (Ret.) RS Vasan, Director General at the Chennai Centre for China Studies, said that these incidents highlight the urgent need for advanced anti-drone systems like HPM. He stressed that India must learn from these conflicts to better prepare for future drone threats.
Vasan pointed out that current anti-drone systems are designed to handle occasional drone attacks, but they struggle when faced with large groups or swarms of drones attacking all at once. This is why India needs to quickly adopt new technologies like HPM systems, which are better equipped to deal with these more advanced threats.
In addition to HPM, Vasan noted that sophisticated intelligence and tracking systems are essential for locating and monitoring the sites where drones are launched. Hard kill methods, like using missiles to shoot down drones, are still important. However, “soft kill” strategies, like jamming the drone’s signals or tricking them with false information, are becoming increasingly vital in disrupting drone operations.
Drones are also becoming smarter. Some now come equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), making them even harder to stop. Vasan warned that future threats could even include drones launched from ordinary-looking ships or other hidden platforms, which would create serious problems for defending against them, especially in naval battles.
The commodore concluded by saying that as drone technology continues to advance, India’s military needs to stay one step ahead by constantly upgrading and improving its anti-drone capabilities. It’s an ongoing race to keep up with the evolving nature of drone warfare, and HPM systems could be a key part of the solution.
