Description

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Context

China Unveils World’s First Anti-Drone Barrage Weapon Capable Of Countering Swarms And Missiles.

What is the Bullet Curtain?

Bullet Curtain is the world’s first close-in anti-drone barrage weapon system developed by China’s state-run defence firm Norinco. It represents a paradigm shift in short-range air defence targeting low-flying aerial threats including drone swarms, rockets, helicopters and missiles.

Features and Components

Feature	Description
Developer	Norinco, China
Type	Close-in anti-drone barrage weapon
Purpose	Counter low-flying threats especially drone swarms and rapidly maneuvering aerial targets
Inspiration	Inspired by the Metal Storm weapon system (Australia–US, 1990s)
Deployment Platform	Fitted on a 6x6 truck with modular capability for ships, fixed sites and armoured vehicles

Working Principle

Concept	Details
Plane-to-Point Interception	Unlike traditional point-to-point interception this system creates a curtain or wall of bullets to cover a large area increasing chances of hit
Barrage Fire	Multiple barrels create a dense crossfire improving probability of neutralising fast and unpredictable threats
Computer-Controlled Targeting	AI-assisted fire control adapts firing volume and ammo type dynamically based on threat assessment

Armament and Ammunition

Component	Description
Gun Configuration	4x4 arrangement of 35mm gun barrels for high-volume fire
AHEAD Ammunition	Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction (AHEAD) rounds – release hundreds of sub-projectiles to create a fragmentation cloud targeting small aerial threats like drones
Reload Capability	High rate of fire with quick reload mechanisms

Detection and Control Systems

System	Function
Radar	Tracks incoming aerial threats
Electro-optical Sensors	Visual tracking and identification of fast-moving targets
Fire-Control System	Calculates precise firing patterns for effective interception
Integrated Management System	Coordinates all components for seamless battlefield deployment

Deployment and Modularity

Feature	Advantage
Mobility	Mounted on 6x6 mobile truck, ideal for mechanised ground forces
Modular Design	Can be integrated on tracked/wheeled vehicles, naval ships, or fixed ground installations
Interoperability	Designed to be compatible with existing military platforms for cost-effective and scalable adoption

Sources:

SWARAJYAMAG

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.With reference to the Bullet Curtain anti-drone weapon system consider the following statements:

It employs point-to-point targeting to neutralise drone threats.
It is capable of engaging drone swarms using a barrage of sub-projectile munitions.
The system can only be deployed in fixed installations and lacks mobility.
It uses a fire-control system to dynamically adjust firing patterns based on the threat.

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2, 3 and 4 only

Answer: A.

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect.

Bullet Curtain breaks from the point-to-point approach; it uses a "plane-to-point" model.

Statement 2 is correct .

Fires AHEAD ammunition with sub-projectiles effective against drone swarms.

Statement 3 is incorrect.

It is road-mobile and can also be integrated on ships and armoured vehicles.

Statement 4 is correct.

Uses AI-controlled fire system for dynamic adjustments.