SHIELD Programme

Why in News?

Recently, DRDO has invited private companies to participate in the SHIELD programme to develop high-power microwave systems for testing drone vulnerabilities.

• SHIELD – S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality and Damage
• Nodal agency – Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Scheme – Technology Development Fund (TDF).
• Nature – This is currently a test and evaluation infrastructure, not a battlefield weapon.
• Objective – To study and quantify the lethality and damage caused by high-power microwave (HPM) radiation on electronic systems, including drones, sensors, radars, communication nodes, and command links, under controlled conditions.
• Mechanism – Intense electromagnetic (EM) energy is employed to disrupt or damage electronic systems.
• Distinction from Conventional Weapons – These systems are non-kinetic and do not rely on explosives or physical impact.
• Effects – Potential outcomes include 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 – Integration of domestically produced Gallium Nitride (GaN) solid-state power amplifiers.
• Comparison of Gallium Nitride (GaN) with Traditional Technologies (Silicon and Gallium Arsenide)
• Power density – Gallium Nitride (GaN) devices achieve approximately five to ten times the power density of Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), resulting in higher microwave output within more compact and lightweight packages.
• Efficiency – GaN amplifiers can achieve a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 70 to 80 percent, enabling greater conversion of direct current (DC) power to radio frequency (RF) output and reducing heat dissipation.

• Significance
• Counter-drone warfare – It employs non-kinetic directed-energy systems to defend against drone swarms originating from China, Pakistan, and non-state actors.
• Electronic hardening – It involves mapping failure modes and implementing shielding for radars, avionics, communications, and drones.
• Indigenisation – It strengthens domestic directed-energy and electronic warfare technologies, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• SHIELD data – It informs the development and deployment of future high-power microwave and electronic warfare platforms.

Reference

TOI | SHIELD