HYDERABAD — Indian defence electronics manufacturer Astra Microwave Products Limited has delivered its indigenous Drishti D4 counter-drone radar system to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for final integration and trials. The delivery marks progress in the company's move from supplying individual components to developing complete defence systems using its own intellectual property.
The Drishti D4 is designed to detect, track and neutralise small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its architecture combines a 360-degree radar, electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensors, a laser rangefinder and a central command-and-control system.
According to the provided specifications, the system can detect micro drones at up to 4 km and nano drones at up to 2 km.
The system offers soft-kill and hard-kill options. Its soft-kill capabilities include RF communication-link jamming and GNSS/GPS spoofing to disrupt drone control and navigation. The hard-kill option uses a Laser Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) to physically destroy aerial threats.
Drishti D4 is designed for both static tripod-mounted deployment and vehicle-mounted operations, allowing its use at fixed military installations and mobile locations.
Astra Microwave previously received technology transfer for DRDO's counter-drone technology and has been developing its own system based on that technology. The company has also identified counter-drone solutions as an important growth area, estimating an Indian market opportunity of ₹3,000–5,000 crore over the next five years.
The latest development supports Astra Microwave's strategy of moving beyond component manufacturing towards complete, indigenously developed defence systems.
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