The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an advanced S-band High-Power Microwave Integrated Evaluation System for Lethality and Damage, codenamed SHIELD. The initiative is aimed at strengthening India’s indigenous capabilities in high-power microwave defence technology and directed-energy systems.What Is the DRDO SHIELD Program?The DRDO SHIELD Program is designed as an evaluation platform for studying how high-power microwave radiation affects electronic systems. The project is being pursued under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, which supports industry-led development of advanced indigenous defence technologies.SHIELD will use S-Band microwave technology and is planned as a modular and scalable system. It will use Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) technology. GaN is valued for high efficiency, high power density and better performance in demanding operating conditions.The proposed system is expected to produce a peak far-field electric strength of at least 3 kV/m. This will allow researchers to study the effects of strong microwave radiation on electronic equipment.Related Instagram Video :DRDO Launches SHIELD Program How Will SHIELD Work?The SHIELD system will operate in pulsed mode, with flexible duty cycles. In simple terms, it can generate controlled bursts of high-power microwave energy for testing.Researchers can expose selected electronic equipment to these controlled electromagnetic conditions and measure its response. The system can be used to evaluate communication equipment, sensors, control systems and other electronics.Advanced thermal-management technology will help control heat generated during operation. This is important because high-power systems can produce significant thermal loads.A notable feature is the planned drone-mountable capability. This could allow the system to be tested from an airborne platform and support flexible evaluation scenarios.Why Is SHIELD Important for India?The DRDO high-power microwave initiative supports India’s wider development of directed-energy technology. High-power microwave systems are being researched globally because they can affect electronic systems without relying on conventional kinetic weapons.The program could also support electronic warfare technology and counter-drone defence technology. As modern battlefields increasingly depend on drones, communication networks, sensors and electronic systems, understanding electromagnetic vulnerabilities has become increasingly important.The use of GaN-based SSPA technology could help India develop compact and scalable microwave systems. The evaluation data generated through SHIELD can help researchers establish benchmarks for electronic-system resilience and develop suitable protection and countermeasures.Under the TDF framework, the RFP also creates an opportunity for Indian defence companies and start-ups to contribute to the development of this advanced system.Overall, the SHIELD program India initiative represents an important step toward building indigenous high-power microwave evaluation capabilities and supporting India's long-term roadmap for directed-energy, electronic warfare and counter-drone technologies.Also Read : DRDO Tests Ballistic Missile Defence and NASM-MR
