DRDO Issues Expression of Interest to Develop Aviation-Grade 12.7 mm Machine Gun And Pod System

India has formally launched the development of an indigenous aviation-grade heavy machine gun, with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) inviting domestic industry to partner in the programme. The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the design and development of a 12.7×99 mm Aviation Machine Gun (AMG) along with a dedicated external pod for deployment on aerial platforms of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard.

The move marks a significant step in India’s effort to reduce dependence on imported airborne weapon systems and strengthen self-reliance in critical combat equipment used in maritime security operations.

Project scope and objectives

According to the EoI, the project will cover the complete development cycle of the aviation machine gun system, including design, prototyping, testing and qualification. In addition to the gun, ARDE is seeking solutions for an aircraft-compatible pod or mounting system, capable of safely integrating the weapon onto helicopters and fixed-wing maritime aircraft.

Aviation-grade machine guns demand higher engineering standards than ground-based systems, particularly in areas such as recoil and vibration management, structural safety, environmental endurance and compatibility with aircraft avionics and power systems.

Operational requirement

The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard require airborne heavy machine guns primarily for maritime patrol, surveillance support and limited engagement roles. Such weapons are used to deter and, if necessary, engage fast-moving small boats and asymmetric threats, especially during coastal security missions and law-enforcement operations at sea.

The 12.7 mm calibre provides a balance between firepower and integration complexity, offering high lethality and extended range without the weight and operational burden associated with larger automatic cannons.

Calibre and capability

The 12.7×99 mm (.50 BMG) round is a globally proven heavy machine gun calibre, widely used in both land and aviation roles. When mounted on aircraft, it enables precise engagement of surface targets from standoff distances, making it particularly effective in maritime environments.

By developing an indigenous aviation-qualified version, India aims to gain greater control over performance parameters, logistics, maintenance and future upgrades, while also reducing long-term procurement and sustainment costs.

Existing foreign-origin systems in service

At present, Indian naval and coast guard aviation units largely rely on imported 12.7 mm machine guns, including M2 Browning-based systems and the FN M3M aviation machine gun, manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium and other licensed overseas producers. While these systems are widely respected, they remain foreign-sourced, creating dependence on external suppliers for spares, upgrades and life-cycle support.

The new ARDE programme is intended to replace or supplement these imported systems with a domestically developed alternative.

Industry participation and development model

ARDE will lead the programme and work closely with Indian defence manufacturers under a collaborative development framework. The EoI is expected to attract participation from firms with expertise in weapon design, aerospace structures, electro-mechanical systems and fire-control integration.

Beyond the gun itself, industry partners are likely to contribute to the development of weapon pods, ammunition feed systems and aircraft integration solutions, depending on service requirements.

Strategic significance

The initiation of the indigenous aviation machine gun project comes amid growing maritime security challenges and the continued modernisation of India’s naval aviation fleet. A home-grown 12.7 mm aviation machine gun and pod system would enhance operational flexibility, improve sustainment autonomy, and reinforce India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat goals in defence manufacturing.

Further clarity on development timelines and partner selection is expected once responses to the EoI are evaluated and the programme progresses into the contract and prototype development phase.