DRDO Aims to Equip Indian Army with Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System (ADGM-SP), Leveraging Zorawar Tank and VSHORADS Tech

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is preparing a proposal for a new, domestically-produced Self-Propelled Air Defence Gun Missile System (ADGM-SP) to enhance the Indian Army's air defence capabilities.

This system will be based on the chassis of the Light Tank Zorawar, and is designed to protect the Army's mechanized units, such as tanks and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), from a range of aerial threats.

The proposed ADGM-SP represents a significant upgrade in protecting mobile ground forces. It combines a twin 30mm gun system with the Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS), a portable missile system. This combination allows the ADGM-SP to effectively engage various aerial threats, including drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft.

The system will be mounted on the 25-ton Zorawar light tank chassis, a platform jointly developed by DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) specifically for high-altitude operations. This provides the ADGM-SP with exceptional mobility and adaptability across India's varied terrains.

The choice of the Zorawar platform is strategic. The tank underwent successful trials in Ladakh during 2024, demonstrating its superior performance in challenging, high-altitude environments. Utilizing this existing, proven chassis allows DRDO to offer a cost-effective and indigenous solution, addressing the Army's pressing need for enhanced protection of its mechanized units, particularly along the borders with China and Pakistan.

The planned ADGM-SP is envisioned with several key features:

• Twin 30mm Guns: These rapid-firing cannons provide close-range defence against low-flying targets, offering a reliable gun-based defence.
• VSHORADS Integration: The inclusion of missiles, likely based on DRDO's laser-guided VSHORADS (successfully tested in 2022 according to DRDO reports), provides extended range and accuracy against fast-moving threats like drones and helicopters. VSHORADS are designed to neutralize low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
• Low Radar Cross Section (RCS) 3-D Acquisition and Fire Control Radar: This compact radar uses advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology and digital beam-forming. It allows for Track While Scan (TWS) capability and is designed to function effectively even in environments with heavy electronic jamming.
• Electro-Optical Fire Control System (EOFCS): This system includes a Thermal Imaging (TI) sight and an optical sight for precise tracking. It ensures the system can acquire and engage targets in all weather conditions, day or night.
• Fire Control Computer (FCC): The FCC integrates data from the radar and EOFCS, enabling smooth transitions between gun and missile modes to provide the most effective response.
• Dual Mode Engagement: For the adaptability, system will be able to engage targets by using either the Fire Control Radar or EOFCS.

This integrated system of guns, missiles, and sophisticated sensors makes the ADGM-SP a versatile protective shield for mechanized formations, capable of countering both large-scale drone attacks and precision strikes from manned aircraft.

The indigenous ADGM-SP is expected to compete with international systems like South Korea's K30 Biho Hybrid and Russia's Pantsir-S1, which the Indian Army has previously considered. DRDO's design, however, offers advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness, customization to Indian requirements, and strategic independence, aligning with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.

The Zorawar's lighter weight (25 tons, compared to the 40+ tons of many existing Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) systems) makes it particularly suitable for deployment in high-altitude areas like Ladakh and Sikkim, where heavier systems may face operational limitations.

An official familiar with the project stated that, if the Indian Army approves the proposal, DRDO could potentially deliver a prototype within 18 months, possibly by mid-2026.

This accelerated timeline is possible because the project leverages existing, proven technologies: the Zorawar platform, VSHORADS missiles (which are already in limited production), and established radar/EOFCS systems derived from projects like the Akash missile program.

While the twin 30mm guns may require integration testing, potentially using components from Ordnance Factory Board upgrades or new designs, DRDO is confident in its ability to expedite the process.

However, the official also noted that obtaining full production clearance could take more than four years, potentially delaying the system's induction until 2029 or later.

This longer timeframe is necessary to accommodate comprehensive and rigorous trials by the Indian Army. These trials will evaluate the system's mobility, firepower, and survivability across diverse terrains, including deserts, plains, and mountains.

The Army's demanding requirements for day and night operation, resistance to electronic jamming, and seamless integration of radar and EOFCS systems will necessitate thorough validation, a process that has historically extended timelines for other DRDO projects, such as the Arjun main battle tank.

 

[sanket]

DRDO once master the base Tech develops its variants thats the advantage of supporting Indigenous defence products over imported Maal , with customisation

 

[The Presence]

Gun is already developed by L&T with programmable munition.

 

[beencensured]

DRDO once master the base Tech develops its variants thats the advantage of supporting Indigenous defence products over imported Maal , with customisation

Everything on that proposal is modern and of better quality. Maybe we want more fire power for the gun? But it is a better, modern proposal, not something with 30-40 year old technology, and there would be good export potential for such goods.

 

[Surfer]

It's actually a great offer. This system if it's getting approved can be quickly rolled out. All building blocks are already available. Only weapon, radar integration needs to be done.

 

[Kira]

Actually does seem like a viable idea and certainly better than the Pantsir-1.

 

[Rajesh]

Naturally, this should have been proposed and work began when K30 was rejected. All the components required are already there, so all it takes is integration into a single piece. Vshorad + 3D radar + 30mm gun + light tank chassis, all are there. No need for any import, but as usual, the bag full of dollars required to run a party will overtake this too, like ATAGS and Kestrel, or maybe some minimal orders to put dust in the eyes of taxpayers and voters.

 

[Puneet]

The idea is good but the implementation should come from the private sector preferably L&T. The government organizations like DRDO, HAL etc should only research and develop prototypes but the manufacturing should be done by the private sector who are more efficient but require a bit of hand holding to develop into organizations like Boeing, LM etc.

 

[Sandeep]

This is definitely something that the private sector can 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture. We already have a tanks/IFV chassis, VL-SRSAM missiles, technology, software, 4D radar, high frequency stealth radar, 30mm CIWS guns, IRST, EW/ESM, anti drone device etc so all we have to do is integrate the equipment and technology on the chassis.

The army are already looking for a tracked short range air defence system to replace the existing Russian vehicles. The technology, missiles, parts, equipment etc are very old and it’s already passed its lifespan so we can’t overhaul the technology and vehicles so we just need to replace the entire system.

 

[Akshat]

The idea is good but the implementation should come from the private sector preferably L&T. The government organizations like DRDO, HAL etc should only research and develop prototypes but the manufacturing should be done by the private sector who are more efficient but require a bit of hand holding to develop into organizations like Boeing, LM etc.

If DRDO does the R&D, there won't be anything for the private sector to manufacture for decades. So nothing but the approvals should stay with GoI or any government owned organization.

 

[GMR]

Don't know what was holding DRDO back till now. We almost have all the individual tech needed for this platform: guns, radars, sensors, missiles, torrets, even our own engine is coming up.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Actually does seem like a viable idea and certainly better than the Pantsir-1.

All ideas from DRDO seem very viable until approval. The problem starts when they have to develop, commit to delivery dates, and actually deliver!

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Our infantry, tanks, artillery guns need air defense support. An air defense platform based on Zorawar or WhAP will be of much help.

 

[Kira]

All ideas from DRDO seem very viable until approval. The problem starts when they have to develop, commit to delivery dates, and actually deliver!

True, but in this, they are trying to integrate systems that have already been deployed or proven. There's a good chance that they can develop a system on time.