Layered Steel Mesh Screens: India's Innovative Counter-Drone Strategy
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The Indian Army is exploring a novel approach to protect sensitive military installations from increasingly sophisticated drone attacks. A Request for Information (RFI) issued on 25 September 2026 seeks industry inputs for structures measuring around 37 metres by 20 metres with 3 separated layers of different steel meshes.
The Concept
The structure is designed to offer overhead protection to sensitive buildings in forward areas. The three mesh layers are intended to perform different functions as an incoming drone passes through the structure: initial interception, energy dissipation, and progressive arrest. The spacing between the layers is an important part of the concept, allowing for a succession of physical obstacles to absorb the impact.
Camouflage Measures
The outer layer is designed to incorporate camouflage and concealment measures, including non-reflective coatings and multi-spectral camouflage paint. These measures are intended to reduce the structure's visual and thermal signature against aerial and ground observation.
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The Indian Army is already using steel meshes and synthetic nets to provide overhead protection for frontline assets, including bunkers, observation posts, artillery systems, vehicles, and tanks. Similar arrangements were also displayed during the 2026 Republic Day Parade.
Passive Protection Concepts
Overhead steel protection became particularly visible during the Russia-Ukraine war, when Russian armoured vehicles began appearing with improvised metal structures intended to provide additional protection from aerial attacks. India has since used similar passive protection concepts for frontline equipment.
Limitations
A 37-by-20-metre, 3-layer structure will not stop every type of aerial threat, and the Army has not described it as a substitute for active air defence. Its value lies elsewhere: if a small drone gets through detection, electronic warfare, and kinetic or directed-energy systems, it still has to physically reach the target.
Conclusion
The Indian Army's innovative approach to counter-drone threats using layered steel mesh screens demonstrates a commitment to exploring novel solutions to emerging challenges. By leveraging a simple yet effective technology, the Army aims to enhance the protection of sensitive military installations and maintain a strategic advantage in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats.
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