India’s Homegrown Anti-Drone Weapon ‘Vajra-Shot’ Sets Global Standards in Portability and Precision

New Delhi, India: As drones become integral to modern military strategies, counter-drone technology is also seeing rapid advancements worldwide. Nations are heavily investing in innovative solutions to detect, neutralize, and destroy hostile drones, an essential capability in the age of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). India’s latest contribution to this arena is the ‘Vajra-Shot,’ a hand-held anti-drone gun developed by Chennai-based Big Bang Boom Solutions. Its unique features set it apart from its global counterparts in terms of portability, efficiency, and affordability.

The Vajra-Shot is a lightweight, hand-held anti-drone weapon weighing only 3.5 kilograms, allowing soldiers in the field to carry and operate it with ease. Designed for the Indian Army and Air Force, the Vajra-Shot integrates a radar system with a four-kilometre detection range, enabling early drone identification. Upon detection, it disrupts a drone’s communication frequency, effectively causing the drone to lose control and crash. An optional hand-held drone detection sight can be added for greater real-time effectiveness, enhancing its utility in various terrains and operational contexts.

Ravi Kumar, a representative of Big Bang Boom Solutions, elaborated on the Vajra-Shot’s impact, stating, “We are into anti-drone solutions, and this is the 'Vajra-Shot.' It is a hand-held anti-drone gun that can detect up to a range of 4 km and also does jamming. We have deployed it in the Indian Army and Air Force, and we’ve received orders worth around USD 25 million so far.” This underscores India’s commitment to strengthening domestic counter-drone capabilities, which are not only cost-effective but tailored for localized security requirements. 

Global Comparisons:

1. United States: The United States is at the forefront of counter-drone technology with advanced systems like the DroneDefender and Raytheon’s Coyote UAV. The DroneDefender uses radio frequency (RF) jamming to disrupt drone communications, a method similar to the Vajra-Shot but typically more complex and bulkier. Meanwhile, the Coyote UAV employs radar-guided missiles, providing a high-tech solution to intercept and destroy hostile drones mid-flight. However, these systems come with higher costs and require extensive operational training compared to the straightforward and portable Vajra-Shot.
2. China: China’s anti-drone technologies, such as the Sky Net and Drone Killer systems, reflect the country’s advanced but resource-intensive approach. The Sky Net system integrates radar with electronic jamming capabilities, neutralizing drones through RF interference. The Drone Killer series, a hand-held device, aligns with the Vajra-Shot’s design philosophy, although it is generally more costly and intricate, catering to high-tech military operations rather than field-based rapid response units. 
3. Israel: Renowned for precision technology, Israel’s Drone Dome system uses radar and high-precision lasers to intercept enemy drones, offering exceptional accuracy and response time. This laser-guided solution is extremely effective for critical asset protection but lacks the portability and cost-effectiveness of the Vajra-Shot. Israel’s focus on high-tech solutions contrasts with the Vajra-Shot’s emphasis on ease of use and rapid deployability in diverse environments.
4. Russia: Russia’s REX-1 system, a hand-held device similar to the Vajra-Shot, uses RF interference and electromagnetic pulses to counteract drones. However, the REX-1 tends to be bulkier, offering less flexibility for soldiers in active combat zones. Additionally, Russia’s integration of anti-drone measures with its ZALA Aero drones reflects a comprehensive approach, but these technologies are tailored to larger, fixed defence setups rather than quick-response units like the Vajra-Shot. 
5. Iran and Turkey: In the Middle East, Iran’s Ra’d-85 and Turkey’s SİPER systems are notable in counter-drone technology. The Ra’d-85 uses radar and electronic warfare methods, while Turkey’s SİPER incorporates radar, electro-optical sensors, and electronic warfare to neutralize drone threats. While effective, both systems are more complex, heavier, and designed for larger defence installations rather than field-based, portable operations. 

India’s Vajra-Shot stands out in the global landscape of counter-drone technology due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and user-centered design. Developed by Big Bang Boom Solutions, it fills a critical niche by offering a cost-effective, portable solution tailored to field operations. The Vajra-Shot not only enhances India’s defence capabilities but also underscores the nation’s commitment to Indigenous innovation in military technology, resonating with the country’s larger ‘Make in India’ defence initiatives. As counter-drone technology continues to evolve, India’s success with the Vajra-Shot demonstrates the strategic importance of investing in adaptable, user-friendly solutions for modern warfare.