The nature of warfare is constantly evolving, with recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Iran conflict demonstrating the increasing importance of drone technology. These unmanned aerial vehicles have transitioned from surveillance tools to formidable weapons, carrying payloads and posing significant challenges to existing defense systems. Addressing this evolving threat, Saab, a Swedish defense company, introduced the Nimbrix missile in 2024, specifically designed to neutralize small drones and drone swarms.
Traditional drone countermeasures, like lasers and radio jammers, often struggle against the agility and swarm tactics of modern drones. The Nimbrix missile offers a cost-effective and easily deployable solution. This allows military forces to effectively counter aerial threats. With a length of under a meter and weighing less than three kilograms, the missile is highly portable. It can be mounted on various platforms, including tripods, vehicles, or at fixed locations. The ‘fire-and-forget’ technology allows soldiers to launch the missile without requiring continuous guidance. The missile is equipped with an active infrared seeker that autonomously identifies, tracks, and engages its target.
The Nimbrix utilizes a specialized 40 mm air-burst warhead that detonates near the target, dispersing fragments to maximize the probability of destruction. Designed specifically for drone swarms, this missile is capable of neutralizing multiple targets with a single launch. Saab has announced plans to locally produce the Nimbrix in India, supporting the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. With a range of 2-5 kilometers, this missile is designed to counter the threat posed by inexpensive drones, thereby reducing dependence on more costly missile systems such as BrahMos and Agni-V.