In a significant boost to indigenous military capabilities, Bengaluru-based SSS Defence has delivered its specialized T-12 semi-automatic shotguns to the Indian Army’s Northern Command.
The move marks a strategic shift in how the Indian military addresses the escalating threat of low-flying drones and First-Person View (FPV) unmanned systems on the front lines.
Strengthening Border Security
While the specific number of units in the initial delivery has not been made public, the induction highlights a global tactical trend.Shotguns are increasingly being repurposed as essential tools for counter-drone operations, a lesson drawn largely from the evolving nature of modern warfare seen in international conflicts.
The T-12 shotgun is currently being featured at the Northtech Symposium 2026, held in Prayagraj from May 4 to May 6.
This event is a critical gathering for showcasing homegrown technologies tailored for the Indian Army’s specific operational needs, including infantry modernization and electronic warfare.
Technical Specifications and Design
The T-12 is a 12-gauge semi-automatic firearm designed and built entirely within India. Key features include:- Barrel & Construction: It features a 20-inch nitride-treated barrel for high durability. The upper and lower receivers are crafted from high-strength 7075-T6 aluminium, ensuring the weapon remains rugged yet lightweight at approximately 3.8 kilograms.
- Ammunition & Logistics: The system supports both five-round and ten-round detachable magazines.
- Customization: A full-length Picatinny rail allows soldiers to easily mount reflex sights, thermal imaging, and other optical accessories necessary for identifying and tracking small aerial targets.
The Tactical Advantage of Shotguns
The use of shotguns for drone interception has gained global traction because traditional assault rifles require extreme precision to hit small, fast-moving objects.In contrast, a shotgun fires a spread of pellets, significantly increasing the probability of striking a drone’s sensitive components, such as its propellers or flight controllers.
Even a single pellet strike can destabilize a quadcopter, causing it to crash.
This has made the shotgun a cost-effective and reliable defensive tool for troops in trenches or urban combat zones where drones often operate at low altitudes.
Global Context and Emerging Alternatives
The Indian Army’s adoption of the T-12 aligns with international practices.In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, platforms like the Russian Vepr-12 and variants of the American Remington 870 have been widely used.
Similarly, Italian manufacturer Benelli recently introduced the M4 A.I. Drone Guardian, a combat shotgun specifically marketed for neutralizing drones at distances up to 100 metres.
Other nations are also exploring diverse interception methods:
- Net Launchers: Russia is testing specialized ammunition that launches a 4×4 metre net to entangle drone rotors at short ranges.
- Advanced Grenadiers: The U.S. Army is developing the Precision Grenadier System, which utilizes 30 mm grenades for low-level drone defense.
Streamlining Military Logistics
Beyond its combat effectiveness, the T-12 offers logistical benefits.SSS Defence has standardized many components of the shotgun to match their existing portfolio of assault rifles and sniper systems.
This commonality reduces the time required for soldier training and simplifies the maintenance and spare-parts inventory for the Indian Army.
As drone threats continue to evolve along India's borders, the induction of the T-12 represents a practical, high-tech, and indigenously produced solution to safeguard personnel and infrastructure.
