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Drawing lessons from the growing use of drones in recent conflicts, the Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure a next-generation Air Defence Gun (ADG-NG) system for the Indian Army, aimed at countering emerging aerial threats ranging from swarm drones to cruise missiles.
The move follows lessons from Operation Sindoor, where, according to the RFI, adversaries along the western front deployed drones and swarm formations for surveillance and strikes against civil and military assets, underlining the shifting character of aerial warfare.
Officials said the proposed system is intended to plug critical gaps in short-range air defence by enabling rapid detection, tracking and neutralisation of low-signature targets, particularly electrically powered drones that are difficult to detect with conventional radar and infrared systems.
The Army has mandated that the system must have at least 50 per cent indigenous content, with a strong push for domestic manufacturing and technology transfer, aligning with the broader defence indigenisation effort.
Envisioned as a mobile platform, either vehicle-mounted or towed, the ADG-NG will be equipped with an integrated Electro-Optical Fire Control System, allowing it to autonomously detect, track and engage targets round-the-clock and in all weather conditions.
The system is expected to provide terminal air defence for vulnerable areas and critical installations. It should be capable of engaging a wide spectrum of threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters (including hovering targets), unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, precision-guided munitions, and even rocket, artillery and mortar (RAM) threats.
As per the requirements, the gun should have a minimum firing range of 4 km and be able to engage targets travelling at speeds up to 500 metres per second. It must also achieve a rate of fire of at least 300 rounds per minute, with an engagement ceiling of 2.5 km or higher.
Interestingly, the RFI also lists unconventional aerial objects, such as micro-light aircraft, para-motors and paragliders, reflecting the Army’s focus on countering a wide spectrum of low-cost aerial threats.
On the ammunition side, the Army has sought both programmable smart rounds, featuring pre-fragmented and proximity-fused capabilities, and conventional high-explosive rounds with tracers. All ammunition must include a self-destruct mechanism and have a minimum shelf life of 10 years.
The system is also required to feature an autoloader that can be operated by no more than two personnel, along with flexible power options including onboard generators, batteries and mains supply, with provisions for silent operation.
Emphasis has also been placed on modularity and future upgrades, with the gun expected to integrate seamlessly with existing radar and navigation systems.
In a notable detail, the RFI has specified detection, recognition and identification parameters against a range of targets from small commercial drones such as the DJI Mavic Pro 3 to platforms like the HAL Cheetah helicopter and frontline fighter aircraft such as the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, indicating the breadth of threats the system is expected to handle.
Vendors have been asked to submit technical details and product information by June 11, marking the first step in what is likely to be a closely watched procurement programme as the Army adapts to the realities of drone-dominated battlefields.
Team BharatShakti
