The Indian Navy on Tuesday signed a contract with defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of the first indigenously designed Naval Anti Drone System (NADS), the defence ministry said.
The NADS which is being developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by BEL, is the first home-build anti-drone system to be inducted into the Indian armed forces.
“The Indian Navy has signed a contract with Navratna Defence public sector undertaking BEL for the supply of the first indigenous comprehensive Naval Anti Drone System with both hard-kill and soft kill capabilities,” the defence ministry said in a statement.
The NADS was deployed for the first time in Republic Day Parade 2021 to provide security cover and later during the PM’s Independence Day address to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. “The system, which offers 360-degree coverage, was also deployed in Ahmedabad for Modi-Trump roadshow,” the ministry added.
NADS with the help of Radar, electro-optical/ infrared sensors, and radio frequency detectors detects and jam the micro drones. Both the static and mobile versions of NADS will be supplied to the Indian Navy within a short time from the signing of the deal, the ministry said.