Bengaluru-based defence company, BSS Alliance (Bharat Supply and Service), has successfully developed a drone platform equipped with a firearm, designed for low-altitude tactical operations.
About the AK-203 armed drone
In a boost for the 'Make in India' initiative, the defence startup has successfully integrated an AK-203 assault rifle into a low-altitude tactical drone, which is capable of surveillance as well as remote engagement.
The system has been tested in collaboration with the Indian Army.
Earlier this week, the company also conducted a trial of India’s first AI-powered LMG weapon system in partnership with the Indian Army.
The artificial intelligence-operated system used an Israeli Negev light machine gun with a 7.62×51 mm barrel. It could detect and engage targets using a remote interface.
“This is the first AI-driven weapon in India that can fire any gun up to .50 calibre,” said Vikki Choudhry, co-founder of BSS Alliance, during a televised interview.
Choudhry further claimed that only a few companies worldwide have conducted successful trials of autonomous lethal weapon systems.
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Features of the weapon
The weapon's effective range is rated at 1,000 metres.
During the trials, the AI-enabled platform equipped with both thermal and optical sensors identified targets at a distance of 300 metres and engaged them accurately up to 600 metres.
According to BSS Alliance, initial tests began in Roorkee on April 5.
The Bengaluru company’s official X page shared: “The next innovative leap at @BSS_Alliance after #TRIYAM-#3D
A game-changing evolution in low-flying tactical drone warfare—integrating an #AssaultRifle, ideally #AK203, with a low-altitude, high-agility drone platform for #Precision #Mobility #Lethality”
The AK-203 is the latest edition in the prominent Kalashnikov assault rifle series. Russia's Kalashnikov Concern developed the gas-operated firearm chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge during the 2010s.
India and Russia collaborated on March 3, 2019, inaugurating the Indo-Russia Rifles at Korwa, Uttar Pradesh.
However, initial progress was hindered by pricing disagreements and international sanctions on Russia, delaying the production and delivery.
At DefExpo 2022, India announced the full-scale production of the AK-203.
On October 12, 2023, it was announced that the Russian company had completed the shipment of necessary machinery and tools to India, allowing full-fledged domestic manufacturing of the assault rifle.
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