The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made significant advancements in developing the indigenous Optonic Shield, an electro-optical system aimed at early warning and real-time tracking of aerial threats like ballistic missiles and drones. This system, comprising ground-based Sensor Stations and a centralized Command and Control Centre, utilizes advanced optronic sensors for 360-degree surveillance and is designed to enhance the protection of critical military assets, aligning with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. With capabilities for low-latency data processing and integration of non-kinetic countermeasures, the Optonic Shield represents a notable leap in India’s defense technology, addressing modern security challenges and fortifying border vigilance ahead of planned field integration tests in 2026. This development underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense capabilities amidst evolving geopolitical threats.