New Delhi: Amid a sharp increase in threats from small drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that are difficult to detect through conventional radar, the Indian Army has initiated steps to procure specialised “drone catcher” systems equipped with net-based interception capabilities.
In a Request for Information (RFI) issued by the Ministry of Defence, the Army noted that the threat from low radar cross-section drones, whether deployed individually or in swarms, has grown significantly. The document emphasised the urgent requirement to develop and acquire suitable systems capable of detecting, countering and neutralising such emerging aerial threats.
The proposed Drone Catcher System (DCS) is expected to identify and engage low-flying drones using automated interceptor drones fitted with nets. It should be capable of operating independently or in coordination with existing air defence and counter-UAS platforms across varied terrain conditions.
According to the specifications outlined in the RFI, each system must include surveillance, detection and tracking sensors, a microprocessor for computing targeting solutions, four interceptor drones equipped with net catcher mechanisms, and a transportable Ground Control Station (GCS). The sensor suite is expected to be based on electronically scanned array technology or better, enabling wide-area scanning for drone intrusions.
The system must provide 360-degree coverage and be able to detect and track at least 20 drones simultaneously at a minimum range of four kilometres. It should have the capability to identify, prioritise and designate hostile targets to interceptor drones via the GCS.
The sensor component is required to be compatible for integration with the Army’s Akashteer control and reporting air defence module through appropriate hardware interfaces and inbuilt software. It must also meet the evaluation criteria of the Army Cyber Group for onboarding onto the Army Data Network.
The GCS will function as a mobile command-and-control unit, transmitting data received from the sensor to the interceptor drones through secure data links to enable effective measures for capturing or neutralising hostile aerial platforms. The interceptor drones, whether deployed as standalone units or as part of a larger network, are expected to operate autonomously, acquiring targets after receiving inputs from the GCS and deploying net-based mechanisms to disable them.
In addition, the system is expected to include a jammer sub-system capable of conducting electronic attacks against hostile UAS. This would involve radio frequency denial, selective navigation signal disruption and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) deception across standard and non-standard frequency bands. The platform must support controlled application of soft-kill measures and operate alongside hard-kill capabilities without interference.
The Army intends to deploy the system across diverse operational environments, including plains, deserts, coastal areas and high-altitude regions up to 15,000 feet. The equipment must be capable of functioning in temperatures ranging from minus 15 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius, reflecting India’s varied climatic conditions.
