India is working to strengthen its frontline counter-UAS defenses through the development of a new 7.62mm anti-drone ammunition, potentially allowing infantry units to neutralize hostile drones using standard-issue rifles. The effort aims to reduce reliance on bulky or expensive counter-drone systems by delivering a compact, soldier-portable solution.
The proposed ammunition features a fragmenting projectile that disperses in a controlled manner after firing, increasing hit probability against fast-moving unmanned aerial vehicles at short distances. Designed to engage both reconnaissance and attack drones, the round could serve as a practical supplement to conventional small-arms ammunition in contested environments.
India’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) confirmed that the new 7.62mm round is undergoing design refinement, with particular focus on the fragmentation pattern and explosive characteristics to balance lethality and safety. While no official schedule has been released, officials described the development process as steady and ongoing.
The initiative mirrors international efforts to counter the growing drone threat through innovative small-caliber munitions. Ukrainian forces have previously demonstrated similar concepts using modified 5.56mm anti-drone rounds, and India’s version applies the approach to a larger, more powerful caliber. Once approved for service, the ammunition is expected to offer the Indian Army a domestically produced, scalable solution to address low-altitude drone threats on the modern battlefield.
