Indian Defence

Top 10 Fully Indigenous Developed Weapons For Indian Armed Forces

In the last few years, India has shifted from a major arms importer to a defense exporter. And by 2024, the Indian government has a target of exporting defense items worth $5 billion. But to achieve such a huge export goal, India will have to develop indigenous advanced weapon technologies. So that India can develop in-house the best quality weapons.

So today we will discuss such weapons which will be indigenously designed and manufactured by India. And these weapons will meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces in the future, along with some of these weapons will be used for export.

Top 10 Fully Indigenous Developed Weapon Systems

These are the top 10 fully indigenous weapons that are under development right now. And in the future to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces can be exported to friendly countries.

1. Ghatak UCAV

Ghatak is an unmanned combat air vehicle. This autonomous jet-powered UCAV has been developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO. This UCAV was started by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) of the Indian government as the tentative name of the Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA) project. IIT Kanpur has also contributed to the design of this UCAV being built mainly for the Indian Air Force.

To give stealth quality to Ghatak UCAV, it has the provision of an internal weapon bay for missiles, bombs, and other ammunitions. Apart from this, its design is based on the flying-wing concept, which apart from being stealthy, can also carry more weapons and fuel.

SWIFT UCAV
SWIFT UCAV During Taxi Trials

The SWIFT UAV made as a technology demonstrator of Ghatak UCAV, conducted its first flight on 1 July 2022. The SWIFT is powered by the NPO Saturn 36MT or TRDD-50 MT Turbofan Engine. But the Ghatak UAV, its full-scale version, will be powered by the indigenous GTRE GTX-35VS Kaveri turbofan engine. There is a plan to develop it by 2025.

Since it is a classified project, there is not much information about it in the public. But if you want to understand about UCAV Programme more then Read here.

2. Surface-to-Air Missile(SAM) Systems

These are some of the SAM systems that will be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces in the future –

1. Agni-P Missile

Agni-P or Agni-Prime is a medium-range ballistic missile of the Agni series. The Agni series is a family of medium to intercontinental range ballistic missiles from India. Agni Prime is being developed to replace Agni-1 and Agni-II and older generation missiles like Prithvi. In this, significant upgrades will be made like Manuverable Re-entry Vehicle (MRaV) and Composite Motor Casting. Along with this, its propellants, navigation, and guidance systems will be improved. Like other Agni series missiles, it is also designed by DRDO itself. and will be manufactured by BDL for the use of the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of India. The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) is a part of the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of India. It is responsible for the country’s tactical and strategic nuclear weapons stockpile management and administrator.

Agni-P can be either transported on the train or stored in a canister. Agni-P is India’s first missile equipped with MIRV capability, whose weight is 50% less than Agni-3. But it can carry 20% more warheads than the Agni-3 missiles. A multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) is an exoatmospheric ballistic missile payload containing several warheads, each capable of being aimed to hit a different target.

Agni-P Missile
Agni-P Missile

In this, a 2 stage solid fueled-based rocket motor has been used as the engine. It is equipped with a ring laser Gyro inertial navigation system with redundant micro inertial navigation and a digital control system. Agni-P is optionally augmented by GPS/Navic satellite guidance. It is mounted on the 8×8 BEML-Tatra transporter erector launcher.

2. XRSAM

XR-SAM means extra-long range surface-to-air missiles. It has been developed by DRDO as Long Range Surface to Air Missile Defense System. The missile system might be used to bridge the gap between MR-SAM (70 km) and S-400 (400 km). The missile system will have a range of 250 km against fighter jets and it will also eliminate threats like cruise missiles, Sea-skimming, anti-ship missiles, Mid-air refillers, and AWACS. It will have the capability to destroy ballistic missiles and stealth fighters in the terminal stage. The DRDO might also develop a naval version of XR-SAM to supplement the LR-SAM missile. XR-SAM will use Fragmentation as a warhead. and optical proximity fuel is fitted for the detonation of the warhead. The Government of India has a plan to induct this missile into the Indian Armed Forces by 2024.

XRSAM Missile
XRSAM Missile

3. NASM-SR Missile

NASM-SR stands for naval anti-ship missile-short range. This is India’s 2nd indigenous air-launched anti-ship cruise missile designed by DRDO. This helicopter-launched missile is being developed for the Indian Navy. This missile uses a 100 kg Multi-EFP (Explosively Formed Penetrator) as a warhead. And use a radio proximity fuse for explosive detonation. To provide power to the NASM-SR, a rocket motor based on solid propellant has been installed. The missile is also fitted with integrated avionics and state-of-the-art navigation.

NSAM-SR Missile
NSAM-SR Missile

This Indian Navy completed the first test on 18 July 2022 from Westland Sea King Naval Helicopter. In the test, the missile flew 5 m above the sea, demonstrating its sea-skimming capability. With this, he also hit the target with high accuracy, validating his control, mission algorithms, and guidance. With sea king helicopters now tested with the newly acquired MH-60R helicopter of the Indian Navy, production will begin only after it.

4. Submarine Projects

These are some of the Submarines that will be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces in the future –

1. Project 75 Alpha

Under Project 75A, Nuclear-powered Attack Submarines (SSNs) will be procured for the Indian Navy. These submarines will be manufactured in India at the Navy Shipbuilding Center (NSC), Visakhapatnam. The Indian government approved the construction of six such submarines in February 2015. These SSN submarines will be designed in-house by the navy’s directorate of naval design. The production of this submarine is expected to start by 2023-24. while the first submarine is expected to commission in 2032.

All these submarines use a CLWR-B2 Compact Light-water reactor producing 190 MW (250,000 hp) of power as propulsion. New hull material is being developed for them to dive into the deep depths of Arihant class submarines. This submarine can carry Varunastra, heavyweight torpedo, Nirbhay, and BrahMos missiles. For the Indian Navy, this project is more important than the third aircraft carrier.

2. S5-Class Submarine

It is a nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine for the Indian Navy which is planned under the codename S5. A total of 3 submarines Indian Navy will be procured in class S5. And by the end of 2022, the production of the first submarine will start.

The S5 class project was launched in 2006 when the payload and reactor capacities of the Arihant class submarines were realized to be limited. The weight of these submarines will be twice that of Arihant class submarines. Similar to Project 75A, a CLWR-B2 Compact Light-water reactor developed by BARC will be used in these submarines. The S5 class submarines will be armed with 12 to 16 K-6 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles.

5. MPATGM

MPATGM is the man-portable version of the Nag anti-tank guided missile. It is a third-generation missile developed by DRDO in partnership with Indian defense contractor VEM Technologies. And it will be produced by Bharat Dynamics Limited. It uses a Dual Charge High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead as a warhead. This HEAT warhead can penetrate RHA+ERA of 660 mm and RHA of 710 mm. Apart from this, a dual thrust rocket with a blast tube ejection motor has been installed as the engine. This rocket motor gives it an effective firing range of 200m to 4,000m. The laser designator is fitted with a digital sight to designate the target at a distance.

The MPATGM is equipped with an advanced imaging infrared (IIR) sensor and integrated avionics. The missile has top attack capability. It weighs 14.5 kg. And its collapsible tripod launch tube made of aluminum and fiber weighs 14.24 kg.

MPATGM Missile
MPATGM Missile

Upon induction, MPATGM will replace the second generation Milan and 9M113 Konkurs from special forces, infantry, and Parachute. MPATGM had a plan to complete the trials by 2020 but due to covid-19, it was not possible. But on January 11, 2022, MPATGM completed its fifth and final test. This missile is now ready to enter serial production.

6. Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs)

These are some of the ATGMs that will be inducted into the Indian Armed Forces in the future –

1. SANT Missile

SANT (Standoff anti-tank guided missile) is the fourth generation upgraded version of the Helina missile. The HELINA missile is the helicopter version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile. The SANT missile is being built for distance airborne anti-armor roles. In November 2018, DRDO-developed SANT was successfully tested at the Pokhran range. SANT missile is designed with a new nose-mounted millimeter wave active radar homing (MMW) seeker. It is equipped with an electro-optical thermal imager (EO/IR) with an extended range of up to 15 km to 20km.

This missile is developed with lock-on after launch and lock-on before launch capabilities. Lock-on After Launch (LOAL) means the missile can be locked onto the target with its launch vehicle if it occurs after the missile is launched. In this case, if the tank moves, the missile can be locked on the tank even after being launched from the helicopter. This missile is being developed for the Indian Army Aviation Corps and Air Force.

SANT Missile
SANT Missile

Its third and latest test was done on 11 December 2021 from the Mi-24 helicopter. The release mechanism, guidance, tracking algorithms, and avionics with integrated software all performed well in this test. Its final test is yet to be done and after completing them, the process of commissioning it in service will start.

2. Samho Missile

SAMHO is a gun-launched anti-tank guided missile developed by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a subsidiary of DRDO. Initially, it was designed to be launched from the 120 mm gun of the Arjun tank. But later there were plans to develop the T-90 tank for a 125 mm smoothbore gun. The HEAT tandem warhead is used in SAMHO to defend the Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) of Modern Armored Vehicles and Tanks. It is also called Multi-Purpose Anti Armor Guided Missile to counter low-flying attack helicopters with tanks. This missile uses semi-active laser homing or laser guidance as guidance.

SAMHO Missile
SAMHO Missile


It has been tested with Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT) four times. Its latest test was done on 4 August 2022. In this test, DRDO tested the missile to engage targets from minimum and maximum range. Its operation range is 1,500 – 5,000m.

7. DRDO ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System)

ATAGS is a 155mm/52 caliber howitzer developed by DRDO’s laboratory ARDE. It is manufactured by Bharat Forge and TATA Power SED for the Indian army. The gun consists of an 8060 mm barrel, Screw type breech system, muzzle brake, and Electro-rheological/Magneto-rheological recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm caliber. It provides an effective firing range of 48 km. And after using HE-BB or high explosive base bleed ammunition, the firing range reaches 52.074 km. It has an all-electric drive to assure reliability and minimum maintenance over a long period. It has advanced qualities like high mobility, quick deployability, extra power mode, an advanced communication system, automated command, and a control system with night ability in direct-fire mode. The gun is two tons lighter than guns in the same class and is designed to provide better accuracy and range. It is compatible with the Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management, and operational logistics management of the Indian Army.

Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System


Till 2 May 2022, 7 trials of ATAGS have been conducted. ATAGS completed all field trials paving the way to induction into the Indian army. Its production started in 2019 and till now only 10 prototypes have been manufactured. In August 2018, Defense Acquisition Council approved the procurement of 150 ATAGS with a cost of about ₹3,364.78 crores.

8. HAL CATS (Combat Air Teaming System)

HAL Combat air teaming system (CATS) is a manned and unmanned combat aircraft air teaming system. It is being developed by Hindustan aeronautics limited (HAL). In this air teaming system, a manned fighter aircraft will act like a mothership which will probably be a modified twin-seat LCA Tejas. In addition, a set of swarming UAVs and UCAVs will operate under the mothership aircraft. Another sub-component of this system is currently under development. HAL is developing jointly with National Aerospace Laboratories, DRDO, and Newspace Research & Technologies. The primary aim is to make various advanced air platforms that can act as atmospheric satellites for high-altitude surveillance, and perform autonomous deep infiltration accurate strikes from a standoff distance with maximum firepower while reducing human mistakes and the risk of life. HAL is planning to finish all the project-related developmental work from 2024 to 2025.

Read More:- Decoding HAL CATS Program
The core components of CATS are CATS Warrior and CATS Hunter’s fully indigenous development in collaboration with DRDO and other Indian Private Defense Research Institutes.

1. CATS Warrior

The CATS Warrior is an autonomous UCAV similar to the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat. HAL and Newspace together have prepared a model of this which was displayed in AeroIndia 2021. It plans to conduct its first flight by 2024. it has a composite structure with a hybrid design whose front section looks like a Boeing ghost bat wingman and mid fuselage to its tail looks like Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie. It is provided with an internal weapon bay and a single serpentine air intake at the top of the fuselage leading to its two engines. It will be powered by a modified HAL PTAE-7 or HAL HTFE-25 turbofan engine. It can carry 2 BVR or new generation short-range air-to-air missiles and two DRDO Smart anti-airfield weapons. The exhaust will feature a Chevron nozzle design to reduce jet blast noise and radar emissions. It will be equipped with an electro-optic/infrared payload, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, inertial navigational unit, and a radar jammer for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions.

CATS Warrior
CATS Warrior

2. CATS Hunter

CATS Hunter is also a UCAV that will be powered by a single HAL PTAE-7 turbojet engine. It is designed as a low observable standoff air-launch cruise missile. It will consist of an interchangeable weapon carriage section based on the mission profile. CATS Hunter can carry 250 kg of warhead with a striking range of 200-300km. Once the payload is dropped at the designated target, it will be able to return and can be recovered through a 2 tier parachute system. It will use terrain counter matching (TERCOM) with mid-flight updates and multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) for guidance. Automatic target acquisition during the terminal phase is also fitted with an imaging seeker.

CATS Hunter

9. SSS Defence Sniper Rifles

SSS Defence has developed two sniper rifles and intends to propose them for trials to Indian special forces, being the Viper and the Saber. SSS Defence tells that these rifles have been developed to be compatible with the body structures of Indian soldiers.

Viper is a sub-MOA sniper rifle chambered for 7.62×51mm or .308 cartridges. It has a proven range of more than 1,000 meters (3,300 ft).

SSS Defence Viper


Saber is a sniper rifle chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum. Its length and height can be adjusted at its butt stock. It has a range of around 1,500 meters (4,900 ft). The Picatinny rail system on the rifle has a MIL-STD-1913 rail at a total of 4 positions. It weighs around 7 kilograms. When fully equipped with accessories, the Sabre weighs around 9 kilograms. The rifle has an ambidextrous magazine release. It can be equipped with three distinct types of barrels with lengths of 24, 26, and 27 inches respectively, its RH Twist being 1:11.25″. The receiver system of the rifle is built up of aluminum alloy and the exterior of the receiver is coated with cerakote and black oxide.

SSS Defence Sabre Sniper rifle

10. SSS Defence Assault Rifles

The company has also developed the P-72 family of rifles, with a design philosophy similar to the ACR, FN Scar, and Czech CZ Bren 2 Family.

  • P-72 Rapid Engagement Combat Rifle (RECR) was designed for general infantry and special operations environments. It is chambered for 7.62x39mm or 7.62x51mm.
P-72 Rapid Engagement Combat Rifle (RECR)
P-72 Rapid Engagement Combat Rifle (RECR)
  • P-72 Recon Carbine is a short, gas piston-operated weapon chambered for 7.62x39mm or 5.56x45mm cartridges.
P-72 Recon Carbine
P-72 Recon Carbine
P-72 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)
P-72 Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR)

So these are the top 10 completely indigenous weapons that will be included in the Indian Armed Forces in the future. What’s your favorite weapon you’ve been looking forward to the most?

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Prem Prakash

I am a defence lover with the skill of writing, not firing.

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