Vajra Shot: The Indigenous Handheld Anti-Drone Weapon With A 4 Km Range

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On October 29, 2024

29 October, 2024- Drones, both fully and partially autonomous, have revolutionized the face of modern combat. All around the world, this rise has changed military strategies. These drones enhance their capabilities with artificial intelligence. Recent conflicts have forced nations to reevaluate their defense strategies. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is a prime example of this. This reevaluation is also influenced by conflicts in the Red Sea. As a result of these technical developments, nations are reevaluating their strategy.

At the forefront of this defensive evolution is the ‘Vajra Shot’. It is an advanced, India-made handheld anti-drone gun. This gun has captured the keen interest of Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi. Admiral Tripathi visited ‘Swavlamban 2024.’ He scrutinized a remarkable piece of technology there. The Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) organized this innovative seminar.

Big Bang Boom Solutions developed the Vajra Shot. It has already found its place within the ranks of the Indian Army and Air Force. Ravi Kumar represented the company at the exhibition. He articulated its capabilities: We specialize in anti-drone solutions. This is our flagship product, the Vajra Shot. This handheld device can detect drones up to a staggering range of 4 kilometers. It also has jamming capabilities. We have successfully deployed it with both the Indian Army and the Air Force. We have secured orders totaling about $25 million (over ₹ 200 crore) so far.

Engineers designed the portable Vajra Shot for seamless field operation. Its advanced radar systems can detect hostile drones from four kilometers away. This effectively disrupts the communication channels between the drone and its operator. This nimble device is lightweight and has a unique feature. It can dynamically adjust its output frequency. This is a significant leap from traditional jammers that use fixed frequencies.

The Admiral’s attendance at the exhibition underscored his enthusiasm for the showcased innovations. He inaugurated the ‘Swavlamban 2024’ exhibition at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on October 28 and 29. He commented on the 115 stalls showcasing the creativity of the nation’s young entrepreneurs.

I have made my way through the display. “Witnessing the innovations brought to life by our young minds has been an illuminating experience”, Admiral Tripathi remarked. The stalls reflect a wide range of participation. Key organizations are part of this. These include the DRDO, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Coast Guard, and BSF. Contributions from the industry are also included.

The Drone Dilemma: An Evolution In Conflict

The emergence of drones in warfare has redefined conventional conflict paradigms. Nadia Schadlow, the former Deputy National Security Advisor of the United States, astutely noted, “The space between war and peace is not an empty one. It is a landscape churned by ongoing political, economic, and security competitions. These competitions demand relentless attention”.

The democratization of technology has made AI readily accessible. This facilitates targeted strikes with unparalleled efficiency. Recent conflicts have necessitated a radical shift in military strategy. Drones can execute missions at minimal cost. They have disrupted traditional asymmetries in warfare. Both the United States and the United Kingdom are now equipping Ukraine with AI-powered drones. Engineers designed these drones for precision engagements.

Defense analyst Sameer Joshi addressed the ramifications of this change at the NDTV Defence Summit. He indicates that the widespread use of drones signifies “a doctrinal metamorphosis”. In the forces of the future, robotic systems will be crucial. Robotic components will make up about 10-15% of operating units.

In response to this burgeoning threat, Lt. General Sunil Srivastava suggested several countermeasures. He is the former Director of the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies. This occurred during the same summit. He explained that both Russia and Ukraine have developed extensive drone ecosystems. Mass production is rampant and bolstered by crowdsourcing and volunteer efforts. Drones are often deployed without rigorous trial evaluations. Consequently, their attrition rates are alarmingly high. Yet, they remain viable combatants.

“Present tactics employ nets to successfully counteract these flying dangers. They also include laser systems like Israel’s Iron Beam and electronic jammers. These emerge as the most cost-effective solutions”, he continued. “The efficacy of systems like the Iron Beam is notable. Integrating lasers and jammers is essential to counter the relentless drone onslaught”.

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