New Delhi, Oct 2026 : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shortlisted SSS Defence and Kalyani Group as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for developing an indigenous 20 mm aviation gun and turret system for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Dhruv Mk-IV Rudra and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand fleets, according to a CNN-News18 report.
The project aims to develop a domestic alternative to imported aviation weapon systems and strengthen India’s self-reliance in critical defence technologies. It is being led by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a specialist laboratory responsible for designing and developing conventional weapons, ammunition and associated technologies.
ARDE works with public- and private-sector companies to translate indigenous designs into operational military equipment. The latest initiative marks an important step towards developing India’s own medium-calibre aviation gun system.
The programme follows a memorandum of understanding signed between ARDE and HAL last year to jointly pursue the indigenisation of critical helicopter weapon systems. A competitive bidding process was subsequently conducted, resulting in the selection of SSS Defence and Kalyani Group as development partners.
Two-Year Development Timeline
Development of the 20 mm gun and turret system is expected to take approximately two years. Once development is completed, the system will undergo qualification and acceptance trials before production orders are placed.
According to the reported procurement arrangement, production will be divided between the two selected partners. The lowest bidder will receive 60 per cent of the order, while the second partner will receive the remaining 40 per cent.
The split-order model is intended to involve both selected companies in production, potentially supporting manufacturing capacity and competition within India’s defence industry.
Critical Weapon for Rudra and Prachand
The 20 mm turret gun is an important component of an armed helicopter’s weapon suite. It enables rapid engagement of ground targets during combat missions and close air support operations.
HAL’s Dhruv Mk-IV Rudra is configured to carry a combination of weapons, including a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods and guided missiles. The indigenous LCH Prachand similarly carries a 20 mm gun, 70 mm rockets and anti-tank guided missiles.
The Indian Army has previously conducted day and night firing trials involving the Prachand’s existing turret gun system, demonstrating the operational role of this weapon in the helicopter’s combat configuration.
At present, the turret gun integrated into the Prachand is sourced from European defence company KNDS. The proposed indigenous system is expected to provide a domestic alternative, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for a critical aviation weapon.
Push for Defence Self-Reliance
The project forms part of India’s broader effort to indigenise defence equipment, secure supply chains and expand domestic capabilities in advanced military technologies.
Beyond reducing imports, developing the gun and turret system could strengthen Indian industry’s expertise in aerospace weapons integration, turret engineering and aviation-grade armament manufacturing.
The involvement of private-sector partners also reflects the growing role of domestic companies in defence research, development and production.
If successfully developed and qualified, the system could support the long-term growth of India’s indigenous helicopter weapons ecosystem and strengthen the domestic industrial base supporting the Rudra and Prachand fleets.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
