The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is calling upon private industry partners to help develop a cutting-edge evaluation system known as the SHIELD project.
This initiative aims to build an S-band High-Power Microwave (HPM) Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality and Damage.
Executed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, this project seeks to boost domestic defence innovation.
The TDF focuses on supporting start-ups, MSMEs, and private industries with financial grants to build self-reliance in military technologies.
The SHIELD platform will feature a modular and adaptable design, allowing it to function seamlessly across various testing conditions.
At its core, it will utilise Gallium Nitride (GaN) Solid State Power Amplifier technology. GaN devices are highly valued for their exceptional power density, thermal efficiency, and reliability under intense operational stress.
To effectively test the hardiness of military electronics, the proposed system is mandated to generate a peak electric field strength of no less than 3 kV/m in the far field. Reaching this threshold is crucial for accurately measuring how vulnerable electronic components are to intense microwave radiation.
Researchers will be able to operate the SHIELD system in a pulsed mode with adjustable duty cycles. This flexibility is essential for simulating a wide variety of electromagnetic attack profiles and assessing their potential impact on both military and civilian systems.
Because high-power microwave systems generate substantial heat, advanced thermal management mechanisms will be integrated into the design. These cooling solutions will ensure the equipment maintains consistent performance and reliability during prolonged testing sessions.
Ultimately, SHIELD is envisioned as a comprehensive testing environment to quantify the damage that S-band microwave radiation can inflict on sensitive electronics.
By exposing communication networks, sensors, and combat control systems to directed-energy scenarios, defence scientists can establish clear survivability benchmarks. This structured testing approach will be instrumental in creating better protective measures for the armed forces.
A standout feature of the SHIELD system will be its ability to be mounted on drones. This airborne capability allows for highly mobile and rapid deployment during operational testing and demonstrations in the sky.
Around the world, militaries are increasingly looking at drone-mounted microwave systems as a prime defence against hostile drone swarms and emerging electronic warfare threats, given their swift deployment speed and flexibility.
High-power microwaves belong to the broader category of directed-energy weapons, which also includes high-energy lasers.
Major global powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China, are heavily investing in this sector, acknowledging its ability to silently cripple enemy electronics without the need for traditional kinetic explosives.
For India, the SHIELD initiative is a strategic step forward in achieving self-reliance in directed-energy warfare under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework.
The TDF has a proven track record of nurturing deep-tech and defence start-ups. By initiating this Request for Proposal, DRDO is actively inviting Indian private companies to construct vital testing infrastructure, a move that reduces reliance on foreign evaluation facilities and builds a strong domestic ecosystem.
This project perfectly aligns with India's broader defence modernisation goals, which heavily prioritise non-kinetic weapons, electronic warfare, and sophisticated counter-drone technologies.
The choice of Gallium Nitride over traditional silicon components is a significant technological leap. It enables compact, scalable equipment that delivers massive power output with minimised thermal stress, expertly balancing intense electric field requirements with real-world operational practicality.
In the long term, the SHIELD program will serve as a foundational pillar for India's directed-energy weapons roadmap. By creating a reliable and robust evaluation framework, the DRDO and domestic tech firms can speed up the journey from laboratory concepts to battlefield-ready systems.
Furthermore, this initiative will play a critical role in developing countermeasures, ensuring that India's vital defence networks and communication grids remain secure against the electromagnetic threats of tomorrow.
