NSG Places First Operational Order for 500 G72s SMGs from SSS Defence

Indian private defence manufacturer SSS Defence has achieved a key milestone with its G72s submachine gun (SMG) securing an initial operational order of 500 units from the National Security Guard (NSG). The induction marks the first major institutional endorsement for the G72s and positions the weapon for heightened international exposure through the NSG’s extensive engagement with foreign special forces (SF) and counter-terrorism (CT) units.

The NSG, tasked with India’s most sensitive counter-terrorism operations, is among the most closely watched users of small arms in the country. Its procurement decisions carry weight because the force regularly conducts joint training exercises with elite units from the United States, Europe, and other partner nations. Weapons fielded by the NSG are often informally evaluated during these interactions, making the G72s’ entry into service a potentially significant showcase opportunity for Indian defence manufacturing.

From a technical standpoint, the G72s distinguishes itself through a roller-delayed blowback operating system, a mechanism widely regarded as battle-proven. This design is most famously associated with the Heckler & Koch MP5, long considered a global benchmark in the SMG category. Roller-delayed systems are valued for their smooth recoil impulse, enhanced controllability, and reduced mechanical stress, qualities that are critical in close-quarters battle (CQB) environments.

While the G72s has yet to be seen extensively in public operational footage, its underlying mechanical philosophy is well understood within the global small-arms community. Compared to simple blowback designs, roller-delayed mechanisms help manage chamber pressure more efficiently, reducing muzzle rise and improving shot-to-shot stability. These characteristics are particularly relevant for CT units that rely on rapid, accurate fire in confined spaces.

The induction of the G72s also coincides with a broader debate around modern SMG design philosophies. The United States Army recently adopted the B&T APC9, a gas-operated, rotating-bolt platform. While technologically advanced, such systems are often seen as mechanically complex and maintenance-intensive. In contrast, the G72s reflects a simpler, proven approach, appealing to users who prioritise reliability, ease of maintenance, and predictable handling over newer but more intricate operating systems.

Beyond engineering, the visual design of the G72s has also attracted attention. Its modern, aggressive styling contributes to operator confidence, an often overlooked but important factor in elite units where familiarity and trust in a weapon system can influence performance under stress.

For SSS Defence, the NSG order represents more than a domestic contract. It signals growing confidence in Indian private-sector small-arms development and places the G72s on a path where its performance will be observed by foreign SF and CT units during multinational engagements. If the weapon meets operational expectations, the G72s SMG could emerge as one of the most visible examples of an indigenous Indian firearm gaining traction beyond national borders.