India's Next-Gen Indigenous RCWS: Zen Technologies Boosts Army and Navy Firepower with Smart Weapon Stations

India has taken a significant leap forward in its defence modernization journey with the unveiling of the next-generation Remote-Controlled Weapon Stations (RCWS) developed by Zen Technologies in collaboration with AI Turing Technologies. These systems are a major step under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, aimed at strengthening indigenous military capabilities.

Unveiled in late 2024 and officially showcased at Aero India 2025, this new family of RCWS is designed to deliver high precision, rapid response, and advanced situational awareness to India’s Army and Navy. These systems are tailored for use across a variety of platforms—land-based vehicles, naval ships, and static defence installations.

Four Advanced Systems for Multiple Roles

1. Parashu (RCWS – 7.62 x 51 mm MMG)

Parashu is a compact and lightweight RCWS meant for light armoured vehicles, naval patrol crafts, and border outposts. It can mount both 7.62 mm MMG and 5.56 mm LMG, giving it flexibility across different missions. Key features include:

• Thermal imaging and auto-tracking

• Counter-drone (UAV) capability

• Elevation range: -40º to +60º

• Target detection range: Up to 14 km

• Highly suitable for quick-reaction missions and urban warfare

2. Fanish (Tank Mounted RCWS – 12.7 x 108 mm HMG)

Specifically designed for India’s main battle tanks like T-72 and T-90, Fanish delivers robust firepower with a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. It is equipped with:

• Cooled thermal camera

• Fibre Optic Gyro (FOG) stabilization

• Elevation range: -7º to +70º

• Detection range: Up to 14 km

• Operates efficiently in all-weather and combat-intense environments

This system increases both the lethality and survivability of armoured units.

3. Sharur (Naval RCWS – 12.7 x 99 mm HMG)

Sharur is tailored for the Indian Navy, offering dependable performance in rough seas. Designed to engage both surface and low-flying aerial threats within a 2 km range, Sharur includes:

• High-accuracy stabilization system

• Reliable in low visibility and turbulent maritime conditions

• Ideal for coastal patrol vessels and frigates

This enhances the Navy’s capability to handle asymmetric threats, including piracy, terrorism, and drone attacks.

4. Durgam (Artillery Rugged Camera)

Unlike traditional weapon stations, Durgam is a rugged optical surveillance system designed for reconnaissance and battlefield monitoring. Features include:

• Day/Night thermal vision

• Real-time threat detection

• Deployable on artillery, infantry vehicles, and forward posts

Its durability and clarity make it ideal for high-risk zones, where situational awareness can be the difference between life and death.

Technical Innovation & Indigenous Excellence

All four RCWS variants were developed at Zen Technologies’ Hyderabad-based R&D centre, which is recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Zen has a strong background in defence innovation, with:

• 150+ patents filed

• 1,000+ defence systems deployed worldwide

• Previous successful systems like Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS, and Prahasta

These achievements demonstrate India’s growing strength in independent defence design, engineering, and export-ready systems.

Shaping the Future of Combat

Zen Technologies' next-generation RCWS family plays a vital role in preparing the Indian Armed Forces for modern, multi-domain warfare. Whether defending land borders, protecting strategic sea lanes, or securing remote military outposts, these systems offer unmatched versatility, precision, and protection.

More than just hardware, they represent a shift towards smart combat systems that combine AI, automation, and tactical adaptability—all Made in India.