In a significant move to enhance its air defense capabilities, the Directorate General of Army Air Defence (AAD), under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the procurement of the Anti-UAS High Power Microwave (AUHPM Mk II) system. This system is designed to counter the growing threat of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), which have become a critical concern for modern warfare, especially in the domains of surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive strikes.
Addressing the Evolving UAS Threat
With the increasing proliferation of drone technologies, including low-Radar Cross Section (RCS) drones and swarm configurations, traditional air defense mechanisms have struggled to provide adequate protection. The AUHPM Mk II system aims to fill this gap by providing a cutting-edge solution that combines radar detection, RF signal interception, and high-power microwave weaponry to neutralize hostile drones, either by destruction (hard kill) or disruption of their communications (soft kill).
Key Features of the AUHPM Mk II System
The AUHPM Mk II system is envisioned as a vehicle-based, multi-functional platform capable of being deployed across various terrains, including plains, deserts, high-altitude regions, and coastal areas. The system will consist of the following major components:
- Radar System: This system will detect and track low-RCS UAS, providing accurate data to the weapon system for engagement.
- Passive RF Detection System: Capable of identifying UAS by intercepting their RF signals, even in swarm configurations, to assist in targeting.
- Electro-Optical Tracking System (EOTS): A day-and-night capable system that provides enhanced visual tracking of the UAS, integrated with radar and RF detection for accurate neutralization.
- High Power Microwave Weapon System: This is the core of the system, designed to engage and destroy hostile drones using directed high-power microwaves. The system will feature interchangeable antennas for narrow and wide beam operations, providing flexibility in various combat scenarios.
- Jammer: The jammer will target the frequency ranges used by hostile UAS to disrupt communications and disable drone operations.
- Microprocessor Integration: A sophisticated microprocessor will fuse inputs from the radar, RF detection, and EOTS systems to compute targeting solutions and manage the microwave weapon and jammer.
Operational and Technical Requirements
The Indian Army has specified that the AUHPM Mk II system should be capable of operating in extreme environments, including temperatures ranging from minus 20°C to plus 55°C, and in humidity levels up to 95%. The system should also be transportable via various platforms, including road, rail, and air, ensuring rapid deployment.
The RFI outlines stringent technical requirements for the system’s radar capabilities, including detection range, antenna rotation speeds, target tracking capacity, and Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) features. The system must be able to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously while offering high levels of accuracy in azimuth and elevation tracking.
Additionally, the system must integrate seamlessly with other in-service Air Defence systems and should be equipped with satellite and internal communications for battlefield coordination.
Indigenous Manufacturing Push
In alignment with India’s Make in India initiative, the MoD has emphasized the importance of Indigenous Content (IC) in the proposed system. Vendors are required to ensure that at least 50% of the overall IC is sourced from India, whether in the form of materials, components, or software. This move aims to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities in defense technology, reduce dependency on imports, and enhance the country’s strategic autonomy.
Vendor Participation and Evaluation Process
The procurement will follow a Single Stage-Two Bid System, in which vendors will submit both technical and commercial offers in separate sealed envelopes. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will assess the technical compliance of the offers, and shortlisted vendors will be invited for trial evaluations on a “No Cost No Commitment” basis. These trials will be critical in determining the final selection of the system for introduction into service.
The RFI also requires vendors to provide a Performance-Cum-Warranty Bond amounting to 5% of the total contract value, which will cover product support, including maintenance tools, spares, and other requirements for both field and component-level repairs.
Next Steps and Timelines
Initially it was asked that vendors interested in participating in the bidding process must submit their proposals by October 10, 2024. However, now it is extended to 24th October 2024. To clarify any doubts regarding the submission of proposals, a pre-submission meeting was held on September 3, 2024, at the Directorate General of Army Air Defence in New Delhi.
Overall, As drone technologies become more prevalent in modern warfare, the need for innovative defense solutions such as the AUHPM Mk II system is crucial. The Indian Army’s proactive approach in acquiring this technology underlines its commitment to staying ahead of evolving threats while promoting indigenous defense production. The AUHPM Mk II system could prove to be a game-changer in securing India’s airspace against the growing UAS menace.