In a significant move to counter the rising challenge of unmanned aerial threats, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) has confirmed it is developing a specialised anti-drone ammunition.
This new bullet is designed specifically for standard 7.62 mm assault rifles, offering infantry soldiers a practical and affordable tool to neutralise hostile drones.
Ankathi Raju, the Chief of ARDE, a premier laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), verified the initiative.
He highlighted that the project aims to equip frontline troops with a rapid-response solution to handle the proliferation of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in combat zones.
Innovative Fragmentation Technology
The core of this new technology lies in its unique projectile design.Unlike standard solid bullets, which require precise direct hits—a difficult feat against small, fast-moving targets—this anti-drone round is engineered to fragment upon leaving the rifle barrel.
According to ARDE scientists, the bullet disperses into many smaller pieces in a controlled conical pattern, similar to a shotgun shell but fired from a standard service rifle.
This "spread" effect drastically improves the chances of striking a drone's vital components, such as its rotors or electronics, effectively creating a "net" of fragments that is much harder for a small aerial target to evade.
Closing a Critical Gap in Defence
Military experts have long noted the difficulty infantry face when dealing with commercial-style quadcopters or loitering munitions, which are increasingly used for reconnaissance and improvised attacks.Conventional "ball" ammunition often passes harmlessly by these small, agile targets.
Furthermore, relying on sophisticated air defence missiles or dedicated jamming systems to counter cheap, expendable drones is often economically unsustainable and practically difficult in every tactical situation.
By enabling soldiers to engage these threats using their primary personal weapons, the Indian Army can protect small units without waiting for specialised support.
This development aligns with the military’s shift towards heavier 7.62 mm calibre platforms, such as the SIG 716i and AK-203 rifles, ensuring the new ammunition will be compatible with modern inventory.
Current Status and Future Deployment
ARDE has indicated that the development process is well underway.The current focus is on optimising the ammunition to ensure the fragmentation pattern is effective while maintaining the safety and integrity of the rifle barrels.
Officials emphasised that the round must be safe for the user and reliable in diverse field conditions before it can be mass-produced.
Once cleared for service, this indigenous innovation promises to be a scalable solution for the Indian Armed Forces.
It will provide a crucial layer of low-altitude air defence, empowering individual soldiers to protect their positions against the modern menace of drone warfare.
