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DRDO Invites Private Firms to participate in SHIELD Programme
DRDO invites private companies to participate in the SHIELD programme under the Technology Development Fund to develop high-power microwave systems for testing drone vulnerabilities. SHIELD functions as a test and evaluation infrastructure that quantifies lethality and damage from high-power microwave radiation on electronic systems under controlled conditions.
SHIELD Programme:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | SHIELD comprises S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality and Damage. |
| Nodal agency | The programme is governed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). |
| Objective | SHIELD provides for studying and quantifying lethality and damage caused by high-power microwave radiation on electronic systems under controlled conditions. |
| Systems covered for evaluation | The evaluation comprises drones, sensors, radars, communication nodes, and command links. |
| Mechanism | Intense electromagnetic energy is employed to disrupt or damage electronic systems. |
| Distinction from conventional weapons | High-power microwave systems are non-kinetic and do not rely on explosives or physical impact. |
| Effects on targets | Potential outcomes comprise temporary disruption, system reset, or permanent damage to targeted electronics. |
| Applications | These technologies are utilized for counter-drone operations and enhancing electronic warfare capabilities. |
| Technological feature | SHIELD comprises integration of domestically produced Gallium Nitride (GaN) solid-state power amplifiers. |
| GaN power density | GaN devices achieve approximately 5 to 10 times the power density of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), resulting in higher microwave output within more compact and lightweight packages. |
| GaN amplifier efficiency | GaN amplifiers can achieve a power-added efficiency of 70% to 80%, enabling greater conversion of direct current power to radio frequency output and reducing heat dissipation. |
| Significance | Significance comprises counter-drone warfare using non-kinetic directed-energy systems against drone swarms originating from China, Pakistan, and non-state actors; electronic hardening by mapping failure modes and implementing shielding for radars, avionics, communications, and drones; indigenisation supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative; and SHIELD data informing future high-power microwave and electronic warfare platforms. |