India to Create Specialized Anti-Drone Ammunition for Russian-Origin Weapons

India has embarked on an ambitious initiative to develop indigenous ammunition tailored for two Russian-origin anti-aircraft systems, signaling its commitment to self-reliance in defense. This strategic move aligns with the nation’s broader objective of reducing dependency on foreign suppliers while simultaneously addressing emerging security threats, particularly from drones.

A Strategic Push Towards Self-Reliance

The Ministry of Defence has invited domestic manufacturers to submit concepts for anti-drone ammunition in the 23mm calibre. This ammunition is designed to be used with the Schilka and Zu-23mm air defence systems, which are both essential components of India's aerial defence arsenal. 

By involving local entities, the initiative seeks to tap into India’s growing defense manufacturing capabilities, fostering innovation and innovative solutions within the country.

Even while the ammunition currently used by these systems can fire at a fast rate, it has been shown to be insufficient against threats from unmanned aerial vehicles that move quickly. 

Drones, increasingly used in reconnaissance and precision strikes, require specialized munitions to effectively neutralize them. 

This gap has spurred the need for advanced ammunition equipped with features like a proximity fuse—technology that allows the projectile to detonate upon nearing a hostile drone.

Both public and private defense entities have been invited to participate in this competitive bidding process, ensuring a robust pool of innovative solutions. This open approach underscores India’s emphasis on collaboration between government sectors and private industries in building a self-sufficient defense ecosystem.

Also read: India’s drone revolution: Progress in 6 years.

Adapting to Modern Warfare Challenges

The way warfare has changed has shown how important drones are to military operations, which calls for a rethinking of conventional defences. It is crucial for countries to strengthen their anti-drone defences since the ongoing crisis in Ukraine has shown how damaging drones can be in terms of both monitoring and attacking capabilities.

India’s decision to pursue indigenous anti-drone ammunition comes against this backdrop. High-speed drones, equipped with advanced maneuverability and precision, pose a formidable challenge to traditional anti-aircraft systems. Recognizing this, India aims to equip its air defense arsenal with ammunition designed specifically to counter these threats.

The proximity fuse, a focal feature in the proposed ammunition, is a technological advancement that enhances the effectiveness of anti-aircraft fire. By detonating near the target rather than relying on direct impact, this innovation significantly increases the likelihood of neutralizing fast-moving aerial threats.

Regional Implications and Growing Threats

India’s geographic location and geopolitical challenges add urgency to this development. Both China and Pakistan have heavily invested in unmanned aerial platforms, expanding their drone fleets for reconnaissance and offensive operations. 

These advancements in neighboring countries highlight the pressing need for India to strengthen its defenses against potential drone-based incursions.

The focus on specialized ammunition complements India’s existing anti-drone measures. 

The military already employs various systems, such as laser-guided jammers and rifle-mounted anti-drone tools, to address the growing drone menace. 

Furthermore, India has developed the "Indrajaal" counter-drone shield, capable of protecting vast areas of up to 2,000 square kilometers. The addition of advanced ammunition to its arsenal will bolster India’s layered approach to drone defense.

Also read: Successful drone missions in defence

The Path Ahead

As the bidding process unfolds, it will be critical to ensure that the selected designs meet the evolving requirements of modern warfare. The ammunition must not only be effective against drones but also adaptable to various combat scenarios. Additionally, the project’s success will hinge on close collaboration between the Ministry of Defense and participating manufacturers to ensure timely development and deployment.

 

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