The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to deploy its indigenous D4 (Drone Detect, Deter, Destroy) system to safeguard urban areas and vital installations against rogue drones. This advanced counter-drone solution is designed to detect, track, and neutralize unmanned aerial threats with precision.
The system uses multi-sensor technology, including radar, radio-frequency (RF) detectors, and electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, to identify drones up to 4 km away. It employs AI-powered threat classification for accurate identification.
Instant jamming of micro drones’ communication signals using RF/GNSS jammers. Laser-based mechanisms capable of destroying drones within a range of 150 meters to 3 km.The D4 system can function in cluttered environments and adapt to different terrains and operational scenarios. It is equipped with facial and payload recognition for identifying hostile targets and includes portable variants for VIP protection.
About DRDO’s D4 Anti-Drone System
D4 is cost effective\portable and has a proven track record in providing highly effective capability in terms of detection, deterrence, and destruction of incoming drone threats. The system has been used by multiple security agencies across the country in various scenarios. With an increased and ever evolving drone challenges, top sources in DRDO confirm that the scientists are currently working on an advanced version of D4 with many technological upgrades, as per data provided by defence analyst Anantha Krishnan M.D4 MK-1A may be capable of destroying larger, enemy platforms. Wider spectrum coverage for passive detection and jamming, AI/ML-based target identification and classification algorithms, panel-based non-rotating array radars, and protocol analyzer-based drone locators are examples of new technology.
The goal is to create a complete solution with an architecture that is lightweight, portable, modular, scalable, and small. All of the sensor and neutralisation systems are also expected to perform better. The three services are among the 25 D4 systems that have been ordered thus far by different users.
For the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, delivery and field deployment are finished. The Indian Army systems are now being delivered. Agencies under MHA have finished evaluating the system, and DRDO anticipates bagging orders soon.
