DRDO Launches SHIELD Programme For Indigenous Microwave System

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has launched the SHIELD programme, an initiative to develop an indigenous S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality and Damage. The programme is being pursued under DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which supports industry-led defence innovation.

The SHIELD programme is designed as an evaluation platform, a tool to study how high-power microwave radiation affects drone electronics, sensors, and communications systems under controlled conditions. Unlike a deployable weapon system, SHIELD is not meant for immediate field use, but rather to test and assess the vulnerabilities of drone systems.

The proposed system will use Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Solid State Power Amplifier technology, valued for its high power density, efficiency, and resilience under demanding operational stress. The system is designed to be modular and scalable, allowing it to be adapted across a range of testing and operational environments. It is expected to generate a peak electric field strength of at least 3 kV/m in the far field, a key threshold for assessing how vulnerable electronic systems are to microwave radiation.

The SHIELD initiative builds on DRDO's prior work in this space, including earlier high-power microwave trials that successfully disabled quadcopter drones at a range of one kilometre. Directed-energy systems such as high-power microwaves are increasingly being explored worldwide as a 'soft-kill' alternative to conventional kinetic interceptors.

Major militaries, including those of the United States, China, Russia, and the United Kingdom, have invested heavily in similar directed-energy programmes. DRDO's pursuit of SHIELD is being framed as part of India's broader Atmanirbhar Bharat push to build indigenous capability in directed-energy and electronic-warfare technologies rather than relying on imported systems.

The TDF scheme has previously backed several private defence firms and start-ups in developing niche technologies, and officials say involving industry partners in SHIELD is intended to convert early-stage research into engineered, field-ready systems while strengthening India's domestic defence-technology ecosystem.

The launch of the SHIELD programme is a significant step towards strengthening India's directed energy capabilities and reducing its reliance on imported systems. With the involvement of industry partners, the programme is expected to contribute to the growth of India's domestic defence-technology ecosystem.

In the context of the global landscape, the development of directed-energy systems is becoming increasingly important. As the use of drones and other unmanned systems becomes more prevalent, the need for effective countermeasures is growing. The SHIELD programme is an important step towards addressing this need and strengthening India's defence capabilities.

The success of the SHIELD programme will depend on the ability of DRDO and its industry partners to develop a functional and effective system. The programme's focus on indigenous development and industry partnership is a positive step towards achieving this goal. As India continues to push for self-reliance in defence technologies, the SHIELD programme is an important initiative that will contribute to the country's growing defence capabilities.

In conclusion, the launch of the SHIELD programme is a significant development in India's defence sector. The programme's focus on indigenous development and industry partnership is a positive step towards strengthening India's directed energy capabilities and reducing its reliance on imported systems. As the programme moves forward, it is expected to contribute to the growth of India's domestic defence-technology ecosystem and enhance the country's defence capabilities.