BEL Integrates Drone Guard System to Bofors 40mm L/70 Autocannon to Counter Modern Aerial Threats

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has given the venerable Bofors 40mm L/70 autocannon a 21st-century upgrade by integrating its advanced Drone Guard System (DGS). This modernization enhances the L/70's capabilities to counter modern aerial threats, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, while showcasing India's growing expertise in indigenous defence technology.

The upgraded Bofors L/70 now features BEL's DGS, specifically designed to detect, track, and neutralize rogue drones. This provides a multi-layered defence system, capable of both jamming drones electronically and destroying them kinetically using the autocannon.

This enhanced system offers a cost-effective solution for defending critical infrastructure, military bases, and urban areas against drone incursions. It effectively addresses both traditional aerial threats, like helicopters and low-flying aircraft, and modern challenges such as swarm drone attacks.

Key Features of the Drone Guard System:​

• Integrated Defence: Combines electronic jamming with the L/70's kinetic capabilities for a multi-layered defence against drones.
• Detection: Uses radio frequencies (RF) to detect drones, identifying them based on their communication and control signals.
• Tracking: Employs an Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO-IR) sensor for continuous tracking, ensuring accurate targeting even in challenging conditions.
• Neutralization: Jams drone communication frequencies, disrupting control links and rendering them inoperative.

By combining the proven firepower of the Bofors L/70 with the advanced capabilities of BEL's Drone Guard System, India has created a formidable and versatile air defence solution. This upgrade enhances India's defence capabilities and demonstrates its growing prowess in developing indigenous defence technologies.

This innovation also opens up opportunities for exporting this hybrid system to other nations operating the Bofors L/70 and facing drone threats. With the increasing global demand for counter-drone solutions, BEL's technology could position India as a leader in this domain.

 

[Anant]

The 40mm L/60 and L/70 are indeed a remarkable and long-lived weapon. The L/60 has been in use since 1934, and is still in very widespread use (including being a very major feature in World War 2), and the L/70 has been in use with many nations (including practically all superpowers) since 1952.

Fantastic to see upgrades to the weapon to help it remain relevant and useful for decades to come still.

 

[Kira]

The 40mm L/60 and L/70 are indeed a remarkable and long-lived weapon. The L/60 has been in use since 1934, and is still in very widespread use (including being a very major feature in World War 2), and the L/70 has been in use with many nations (including practically all superpowers) since 1952.

Fantastic to see upgrades to the weapon to help it remain relevant and useful for decades to come still.

I believe due to ever increasing threats from small drones many canon and machine gun AD systems previously made obsolete by longer ranged and faster missiles will steadily make a comeback.