Indian Army Seeks ‘Drone Catchers’ to Counter Growing Swarm Threat From Small UAS - Indian Defence Research Wing
AI Analysis
The Indian Army has issued an RFI for a Drone Catcher System to counter the growing threat of small UAS, utilizing interceptor drones equipped with nets and jamming capabilities. This system aims to provide a non-explosive, precise solution to neutralize drone threats in various terrains.
Key Takeaways
- Indian Army issues RFI for Drone Catcher System.
- System uses interceptor drones with nets for hard-kill options.
- Includes ESA technology for 360-degree surveillance and tracking.
- Features a jammer sub-system for soft-kill capabilities.
- Designed to operate in diverse Indian terrains and climates.
Why It Matters
The development of a Drone Catcher System represents a strategic move to enhance India's air defense capabilities against the increasing threat of small UAS. By integrating both kinetic and electronic countermeasures, the Indian Army aims to protect its operations and infrastructure from disruptive drone activities, ensuring operational security and effectiveness.
Indian Army Seeks ‘Drone Catchers’ to Counter Growing Swarm Threat From Small UAS - Indian Defence Research Wing
Indian Army Seeks ‘Drone Catchers’ to Counter Growing Swarm Threat From Small UAS
February 18, 2026 |
SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is taking decisive steps to counter the rapidly escalating threat from small, low-observable drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), issuing a fresh Request for Information (RFI) from the Ministry of Defence for an innovative Drone Catcher System that deploys automated interceptor drones armed with nets to capture or neutralize hostile machines mid-air.
This move comes as the battlefield reality has shifted dramatically—tiny drones with minuscule radar cross-sections, whether flying solo or in menacing swarms, have proven incredibly hard to spot and stop with traditional air defense radars. Lessons from recent conflicts, including the intense May 2025 clashes known as Operation Sindoor, have underscored how these low-flying, stealthy intruders can disrupt operations, gather intelligence, or deliver payloads with little warning. The RFI bluntly acknowledges that the air threat from such UAS has “grown exponentially,” leaving no room for delay in acquiring specialized counter-measures.
At the heart of the proposed Drone Catcher System (DCS) lies a clever, kinetic approach: interceptor drones equipped with net catchers that physically ensnare and bring down enemy UAS, offering a non-explosive, precise hard-kill option that minimizes collateral risks in contested or populated areas. Each system would include four such catcher drones, ready to launch autonomously or in coordination with existing air defense weapons, adaptable across India’s diverse terrains—from scorching deserts and coastal plains to high-altitude posts up to 15,000 feet, enduring temperatures from minus 15°C to 45°C.
The setup starts with a powerful surveillance sensor built on electronically scanned array (ESA) technology or superior, providing full 360-degree coverage to scan vast swathes of airspace. It must detect and track at least 20 targets simultaneously at ranges of 4 km or more—even those with tiny 0.01 m² radar signatures—then prioritize threats, compute targeting solutions via an onboard microprocessor, and hand off precise data to the catcher drones through a rugged, transportable Ground Control Station (GCS). The GCS acts as the brain, feeding real-time intelligence over secure data links so the interceptors can acquire, chase, and deploy their nets for a clean takedown.
Complementing this hard-kill capability is a dedicated jammer sub-system for soft-kill options: jamming radio frequencies, denying navigation signals, or spoofing GNSS across standard and non-standard bands. Crucially, the electronic attack tools can operate alongside kinetic interceptors without interference, allowing layered responses—jam first to disorient, then net if needed. The entire package integrates seamlessly with the Army’s Akashteer air de