By Startup Story Team
A Bengaluru-based defence startup, BSS Alliance (Bharat Supply and Service), has successfully developed a revolutionary drone system equipped with a firearm, making it capable of identifying and firing at targets from the air. This marks a major advancement in India’s defence technology and supports the ‘Make in India’ initiative in the military sector.
Drone Armed with AK-203 Assault Rifle:
BSS Alliance has integrated the AK-203 assault rifle-India’s domestically manufactured version of the Russian Kalashnikov-into a tactical drone platform. This low-altitude, high-mobility drone is designed for both surveillance and offensive operations. It can engage targets remotely and is suited for real-time battlefield use.
The drone system has already undergone successful trials in collaboration with the Indian Army. According to the developers, the drone is ideal for low-flying precision missions and brings together agility, accuracy, and lethality.
AI-Powered Weapon System Tested:
In addition to the AK-203 drone platform, BSS Alliance also tested India’s first AI-driven LMG weapon system earlier this week, once again in partnership with the Indian Army. This AI-powered system used the Israeli Negev light machine gun chambered in 7.62×51mm calibre.
The AI-based weapon platform can detect, lock on, and engage targets using thermal and optical sensors, all through a remote interface. During the trials, the system successfully identified targets at a range of 300 metres and accurately engaged them up to 600 metres. Its effective maximum range is reported to be 1,000 metres.
“This is the first AI-driven weapon in India that can fire any gun up to .50 calibre,” said Vikki Choudhry, co-founder of BSS Alliance, during a recent televised interview. He added that only a handful of companies in the world have managed successful trials of autonomous lethal weapon systems like this.
Trial Locations and Dates:
Initial testing of the AK-203 armed drone began on April 5 in Roorkee. BSS Alliance has since showcased multiple successful demonstrations of the platform. The company is promoting the project as a major innovation in drone warfare and remote combat.
On their official X (formerly Twitter) page, BSS Alliance posted:
“The next innovative leap at @BSS_Alliance after #TRIYAM-#3D
A game-changing evolution in low-flying tactical drone warfare-integrating an #AssaultRifle, ideally #AK203, with a low-altitude, high-agility drone platform for #Precision #Mobility #Lethality.”
About the AK-203 Assault Rifle:
The AK-203 is the most recent model in the world-renowned Kalashnikov series of rifles. It is a gas-operated weapon chambered for the 7.62×39mm cartridge, developed by Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern during the 2010s.
India and Russia joined hands to manufacture the AK-203 locally through a joint venture called Indo-Russia Rifles, inaugurated on March 3, 2019, in Korwa, Uttar Pradesh. However, the project initially faced delays due to pricing issues and international sanctions on Russia.
Progress resumed after the 2022 DefExpo, where India confirmed full-scale domestic production of the AK-203. On October 12, 2023, the Russian side completed the shipment of critical machinery and tools to India, officially kickstarting manufacturing within the country.
Significance for India’s Defence Sector:
The successful trials of the AK-203 drone and the AI-powered weapon system reflect a new chapter in India’s military preparedness. With innovations in autonomous weapons and indigenous manufacturing, the country is taking solid steps toward self-reliance in defence technologies.
