Kalashnikov company to now manufacture anti-drone shotguns in India

The world-renowned Russian arms manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern has signed a licensing agreement with an Indian partner for the local production of the MP-155 shotgun in India. The company's Chief Executive Officer, Alan Lushnikov, confirmed this significant agreement. This deal is being viewed as a major step towards further strengthening the defence cooperation between India and Russia.

The MP-155 is primarily a semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun designed for hunting, but it has proven extremely effective against low-flying drones in modern battlefields. This shotgun was developed at the Izhevsk Mechanical Plant, and its production commenced in 2012. It is a gas-operated semi-automatic shotgun capable of firing 12/76 and 12/89 calibre cartridges.

The weight of this shotgun ranges approximately between 3.15 to 3.8 kg. It is lightweight and balanced due to the use of aluminium alloy. In addition to the traditional hunting versions, the company also provides its tactical and anti-drone versions. The anti-drone version includes special features such as a Picatinny rail, red-dot sight, night vision device, and extended magazine. Using special types of cartridges, this shotgun can target small and fast drones at a distance of 50 to 100 metres.

The increasing use of FPV and kamikaze drones in modern warfare is making this weapon more relevant. Soldiers are using it to destroy drones at close range, as traditional rifles are less effective against small and fast targets, whereas shotgun pellets cover a larger area. On several fronts, including the Ukraine conflict, soldiers have proven that the shotgun is a practical weapon against drones. Cartridges with special pellets can bring down a drone by damaging its rotors or its body. Kalashnikov has adapted the MP-155 to meet this requirement.

Kalashnikov company is already manufacturing AK-203 assault rifles in India through Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited. This plant, located in Amreli, operates with technology transfer. This licensing agreement for the MP-155 is an extension of this collaboration. However, no official information has been released yet regarding the name of the Indian partner, the place of production, the production volume, and the timeline. The company will manufacture with Russian technical assistance, and the share of local content will be gradually increased.

This move is in line with India's policy of self-reliance. India is working on both indigenous and foreign options to tackle drone-related threats. Security agencies and armed forces are looking for low-cost and effective anti-drone solutions. Weapons like the MP-155 could prove useful not only for the military but also for internal security agencies. Kalashnikov is also promoting this weapon in international markets. In countries like India, where the risk of drones is increasing on borders and in cities, such weapons can be very useful.

Kalashnikov Concern is a famous Russian arms manufacturing company. It is known worldwide for its weapons such as the AK-47. The company has been engaged in the production of various types of military and defence equipment.