By Sangeeta Saxena
New Delhi. 28 November 2024. At Swavalamban 2024, Big Bang Boom Solutions attracted attention with its indigenously developed technologies aimed at enhancing naval operations and defence capabilities. From autonomous firefighting drones to anti-drone defence systems, the company is contributing significantly to India’s maritime and overall defence ecosystem. In this exclusive interview with Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) Gaurav Sharma, VP Sales & Government Relations from Big Bang Boom Solutions discusses the showcased products, their applications and the company’s vision for the future.
ADU. What is Big Bang Boom showcasing at Swavalamban 2024?
Gaurav Sharma. We are showcasing three key projects developed under the Navy’s IDEX initiative. These include an autonomous firefighting drone for warships, a morphine-based fire extinguisher for Class A fires, and an anti-drone defence system. These technologies are designed to address critical challenges faced by naval forces and enhance operational efficiency.
ADU. Could you elaborate on the autonomous firefighting drone?
Gaurav Sharma. This drone is AI-powered and operates autonomously in GPS-deprived environments, such as the iron-clad interiors of warships. It can detect fires and humans, and once a fire is identified, it deploys an aerosol fire extinguisher automatically. The system is tailored for closed environments where traditional signals struggle to penetrate.
ADU. What is the morphine-based fire extinguisher, and why is it significant?
Gaurav Sharma. The morphine-based fire extinguisher is specifically designed for high-expansion foam requirements, such as on naval flight decks. Previously, India relied on Russian imports for this foam, but the Ukraine conflict disrupted supply chains. We have indigenously developed this solution, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing self-reliance in critical defence needs.
ADU. Can you tell us about the anti-drone defence system?
Gaurav Sharma. This system offers comprehensive protection against rogue drones, with a detection range from 0 to 20 kilometres and a jamming range from 2 to 20 kilometres. It is capable of neutralizing drones operating on any frequency, ensuring robust security against potential threats.
ADU. Are these products already in use by the Indian armed forces?
Gaurav Sharma. Yes, many of these products have been inducted. The Air Force and Army have placed orders worth ₹220 crore for our anti-drone systems. The Navy has procured our morphine-based fire extinguisher, and our firefighting drone is in the procurement stage.
ADU. Do you cater to export markets as well?
Gaurav Sharma. Absolutely. We have supplied products to Kenya and are in talks with Mozambique. We’re also expanding into Europe to compete with U.S. and Israeli companies, leveraging our cost-effective solutions and the support provided by the Indian government for international defence collaborations.
ADU. What other innovative technologies is Big Bang Boom developing?
Gaurav Sharma. We are working on augmented reality solutions for BMP tanks, enabling 360-degree visibility and object identification. Additionally, we are developing AI-driven containerized shooting ranges for navy training, where personnel compete against learning AI systems. Future projects include electromagnetic guns and non-lethal weapons for border patrols.
ADU. What is your production and R&D setup like?
Gaurav Sharma. Our R&D and production facilities are based in Chennai due to cost advantages, while our sales and administrative operations are in Delhi to stay connected with decision-makers.
ADU. How do your technologies address emerging threats in modern warfare?
Gaurav Sharma. One key lesson from the Ukraine-Russia conflict is the threat posed by small, low-altitude drones that evade radar detection. Our anti-drone systems are designed to counter such threats effectively. We aim to enhance the safety of naval and armored vehicles with integrated detection and countermeasure technologies.
ADU. What are your future plans and focus areas?
Gaurav Sharma. We are concentrating on non-lethal and electromagnetic weapons, areas with significant potential for innovation. By identifying global defence challenges, we develop prototypes and seek funding to create practical solutions, continuing our mission to strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
Big Bang Boom Solutions is demonstrating its commitment to India’s defence sector by developing innovative and indigenous solutions. From enhancing naval safety with autonomous drones to addressing modern threats with advanced anti-drone systems, the company is a testament to India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology. As it expands its global footprint, Big Bang Boom is poised to be a significant player on the international stage.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
