During Exercise Dakshin Shakti 2025 in Rajasthan’s deserts, observed around December 7, 2025, the Indian Army tested three indigenous anti-drone armour variants on T-90S Bhishma tanks, reinforcing self-reliance in countering modern UAV threats along western borders. Fabricated cost-effectively by workshops like the 505 Army Base in Jodhpur using surplus T-72 parts and scrap ERA materials—at ₹8-14 lakh per tank—these “cope cage” designs proved impenetrable in over 40 live-fire drone trials. Featuring 360-degree LED dazzlers, RF jammers, upward smoke grenades, and camouflage hooks, the upgrades address top-attack vulnerabilities from FPV loitering munitions, with minor trade-offs like reduced gun elevation, showcasing India’s pragmatic edge in armoured warfare evolution.