India is set to enhance its air defence capabilities with a new initiative to develop indigenous Gatling-style rapid-fire guns.
The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is spearheading the plan to design these systems for the Indian Army and Air Force, according to its Director, A. Raju.
This strategic move aims to create a domestic "hard-kill" solution, also known as a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS). Such systems are the last line of defence against imminent aerial threats, including sophisticated cruise missiles, swarms of drones, and low-flying enemy aircraft.
The project is aligned with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) policy, seeking to reduce the country's dependence on foreign military hardware and develop a domestic alternative to internationally recognised systems like the American Phalanx and the Dutch Goalkeeper.
Mr. Raju confirmed that the proposed Gatling guns will be versatile, designed for integration with both land-based and air force platforms to provide a swift and lethal response to threats at very close ranges.
A Gatling gun's design, which features multiple barrels rotating around a central axis, allows for an exceptionally high rate of fire, making it ideal for intercepting fast-moving targets when reaction time is minimal.
"The focus will be on developing a high-rate-of-fire Gatling gun system with advanced tracking and fire-control systems, intended for integration into CIWS platforms," Mr. Raju stated.
The applications for this new technology are extensive. For the Indian Army, these weapon systems could be mounted on mobile vehicles to form a protective shield around critical assets like forward operating bases, command centres, and radar installations, which are increasingly vulnerable to attacks from loitering munitions.
The Indian Air Force could deploy them to secure its air bases and other vital installations against stealthy threats that may evade longer-range defences.
While the initial focus is on the army and air force, the technology could logically be adapted in the future for naval warships, which currently rely on foreign-origin systems like the Russian AK-630.
The planned system is expected to feature a multi-barrel rotating design capable of firing several thousand rounds per minute.
To ensure high precision, it will be equipped with a sophisticated fire-control suite using both radar and electro-optical sensors for automatic tracking and engagement of targets in a full 360-degree arc.
The system will also likely be compatible with advanced programmable ammunition to maximise its effectiveness against different types of aerial targets.
The development of a domestic CIWS is considered a game-changing step for India's national security.
In modern warfare, the proliferation of low-cost drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles has created an urgent need for cost-effective, high-volume defensive systems.
By developing its own Gatling gun, ARDE will not only fill a critical gap but also significantly strengthen the innermost layer of India's comprehensive air defence network.
