Russian defence company Kalashnikov has signed an agreement to supply anti drone shotguns, specialised anti unmanned aerial vehicle ammunition and small arms to India. The agreement represents a broader expansion of defence cooperation between India and Russia beyond the joint production and supply of AK series assault rifles.
According to the announcement, the contract includes equipment designed to help security forces detect and counter threats posed by small unmanned aerial vehicles. As the use of drones has increased in military operations and border surveillance, armed forces around the world have been strengthening their capabilities to address emerging aerial threats.
The anti drone shotguns included in the agreement are designed to engage low flying drones at short range using specialised ammunition developed specifically for counter unmanned aerial vehicle operations. Such equipment is generally intended for use in situations where electronic countermeasures may not be practical or where a rapid physical response is required.
The agreement also includes the supply of specialised anti drone ammunition and other small arms. Officials have indicated that the equipment is expected to complement existing defence systems rather than replace conventional air defence platforms.
India and Russia have maintained a longstanding defence partnership covering fighter aircraft, tanks, naval systems, missile technology and infantry weapons. In recent years, both countries have expanded cooperation through joint production initiatives, including the manufacturing of AK 203 assault rifles in India.
The latest agreement reflects growing attention to counter drone technology as drones become increasingly common in surveillance, reconnaissance and combat operations. Security experts have noted that small unmanned aerial vehicles can present significant challenges because of their mobility, relatively low cost and ability to operate at low altitudes.
Many countries are investing in layered counter drone capabilities that combine radar systems, electronic warfare, jamming equipment and kinetic solutions such as specialised firearms or interceptor systems. The addition of anti drone shotguns is intended to provide personnel with another option for responding to close range drone threats.
The equipment supplied under the agreement is expected to support operational requirements for the Indian armed forces and other security agencies, particularly in environments where drones may pose security risks. However, details regarding the number of systems, delivery schedules and deployment locations have not been publicly disclosed.
The agreement also highlights the continuing defence relationship between India and Russia despite the increasing diversification of India's defence procurement from multiple international partners. India has continued to modernise its armed forces by acquiring advanced technologies while also promoting domestic manufacturing under its defence production initiatives.
The new contract demonstrates the growing importance of counter unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities in modern defence planning. As drone technology continues to evolve, armed forces worldwide are expected to invest further in systems designed to detect, track and neutralise aerial threats while enhancing overall operational readiness.