In a move to boost India's self-reliance in defense technology, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) is developing a 20mm gun, a 20mm turret, and a 70mm rocket system for the Indian Army's 'Rudra' light combat helicopters.
This initiative aims to enhance the firepower of these helicopters while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
ARDE, a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is spearheading the project to design and manufacture a 20x102mm TGS gun.
This powerful weapon is slated to replace the existing Nexter THL20 turret currently equipped on the Rudra helicopters. By integrating the indigenously developed TGS gun, the Rudra fleet is expected to gain a significant upgrade in its offensive capabilities.
The project has already achieved a crucial milestone with ARDE selecting a partner to collaborate on the 20mm gun development. This partnership will leverage the expertise of both organizations to accelerate the development process.
Furthermore, the 20mm turret is nearing the fabrication stage, signaling substantial progress in the project's timeline.
This development comes on the heels of recent successful tests of the 70mm rocket system and 20mm turret guns on the 'Prachand' Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), a variant of the Rudra, conducted by the Indian Army.
These tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the new weaponry and its potential to significantly enhance the combat capabilities of India's helicopter fleet.
