As drones become a critical component of modern military operations, nations worldwide are investing heavily in counter-drone technologies. India’s latest innovation, the ‘Vajra-Shot,’ developed by Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions, stands out for its lightweight and effective design.
Here’s how the Vajra-Shot compares to anti-drone systems from the US, China, Iran, Israel, and Russia.
Vajra-Shot: Weighing just 3.5 kilograms, the Vajra-Shot is designed for portability and ease of use by soldiers in the field. It features a radar system capable of detecting drones from up to four kilometers away. Once detected, the Vajra-Shot can jam the drone’s communication frequency, causing it to lose control and crash. An optional hand-held drone detection sight enhances its real-time effectiveness.
United States: The US has developed several advanced anti-drone systems, such as the DroneDefender and Coyote UAV. The DroneDefender uses radio frequency jamming to disrupt drone communications, while the Coyote UAV, produced by Raytheon, employs radar-guided missiles to intercept and destroy hostile drones. These systems provide high-tech solutions but are often more complex and bulkier than the Vajra-Shot.
China: China’s anti-drone technologies include the Sky Net and Drone Killer systems. The Sky Net system integrates radar and electronic jamming to detect and neutralize drones, while the Drone Killer series offers hand-held solutions that disrupt drone signals through radio frequency interference. These systems are advanced but can be more costly and sophisticated compared to the Vajra-Shot’s simpler design.
Israel: Israel is renowned for its advanced counter-drone technologies. The Drone Dome system, for example, utilizes radar and high-precision lasers to shoot down enemy drones quickly. This system’s high accuracy and rapid response capabilities make it highly effective, though it is more expensive and complex than the Vajra-Shot.
Russia: Russia has also made significant strides in anti-drone technology, with systems such as the REX-1. The REX-1 is a hand-held device that uses radio frequency interference and electromagnetic pulses to neutralize drones. While similar in concept to the Vajra-Shot, the REX-1 is generally bulkier and may offer less operational flexibility. Additionally, Russia’s ZALA Aero drones and counter-drone measures reflect their focus on integrating anti-drone capabilities with broader defense systems.
Iran and Turkey: Iran’s Ra’d-85 and Turkey’s SİPER are also notable. The Ra’d-85 combines radar and electronic warfare techniques, while the SİPER system integrates radar, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare to combat drones. These systems are comprehensive but typically more complex and less portable compared to the Vajra-Shot.