In a major step toward strengthening India’s evolving air defence architecture, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for over 200 Air Defence Guns–Next Generation (ADG-NG) systems for both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
The proposed systems are specifically designed to counter emerging threats such as drone swarms, loitering munitions, and low-flying high-speed aerial targets. This move comes as part of a broader strategic push under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, highlighting India’s intent to close critical gaps in its lower-tier air defence grid while adapting to rapidly changing battlefield dynamics.
ADG-NG Technical Profile
- Engagement Speed: 500+ m/s (Supersonic target capability)
- Effective Range: 4,000+ meters
- Rate of Fire: 300+ rounds per minute
- Kill Mechanism: Programmable smart ammunition (hard-kill) + electronic warfare/jamming (soft-kill)
- Target Spectrum: Drone swarms, cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, high-speed threats
Mission Sudarshan Chakra: Building India’s Multi-Layered Air Shield
The ADG-NG program forms a crucial pillar of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, India’s ambitious long-term plan to establish a fully integrated, multi-layered air defence network by 2035. Often compared to an indigenous “Iron Dome”-like concept, this initiative seeks to create a seamless protective umbrella by combining long-range, medium-range, and short-range air defence systems into a unified structure.
Within this architecture, ADG-NG is intended to function as the last line of defence, engaging threats that manage to penetrate outer missile layers such as the S-400 and Akash systems. Its importance lies in addressing the vulnerabilities of traditional missile-based defence, particularly against low-altitude or highly maneuverable threats. By plugging this gap, ADG-NG ensures that India’s air defence network is not only layered but also resilient across all engagement envelopes.
Neutralizing Modern Aerial Threats: Countering Emerging Drone Swarms Threat
The growing emphasis on next-generation air defence guns reflects a fundamental shift in modern warfare. Recent conflicts, especially the Russia-Ukraine war, have demonstrated how inexpensive drone swarms and loitering munitions can bypass or overwhelm expensive missile defence systems. These lessons have been closely studied by military planners worldwide, including in India.
Additionally, India’s own operational experiences, including high-tempo deployments such as Operation Sindoor, have highlighted the urgent need for systems capable of delivering rapid, sustained firepower against multiple incoming threats. ADG-NG is designed to meet this requirement by offering a high-rate, quick-reaction defensive capability that complements missile systems rather than replacing them.
By integrating kinetic and electronic countermeasures, the system will be capable of neutralizing a wide spectrum of aerial threats—from small unmanned systems to fast-moving cruise missiles. This layered approach ensures that even saturation attacks involving dozens of low-cost drones can be effectively countered without exhausting high-value missile inventories.
Seamless Integration with Project Akashteer
A defining feature of the ADG-NG program is its planned integration with Project Akashteer, the Indian Army’s next-generation, digitised air defence control and reporting system. Akashteer is envisioned as a network-centric platform that connects sensors, command centers, and weapon systems into a unified grid, enabling real-time situational awareness and rapid engagement decisions.
Within this ecosystem, ADG-NG units will act as last-mile interceptors, receiving target data through a fully automated sensor-to-shooter loop. This integration will significantly reduce reaction times and improve engagement accuracy, especially against low-altitude threats that appear with minimal warning. As India moves toward a digitised battlefield environment, such networked systems will play a crucial role in ensuring that air defence responses are both swift and coordinated.
Indigenous Opportunity: Key Indian Defence Players in Focus
The issuance of the RFI also marks a major opportunity for India’s domestic defence industry under the “Make in India” initiative. With a requirement exceeding 200 systems, the ADG-NG program has the potential to become a landmark project for private sector participation in air defence manufacturing.
Leading Indian defence firms such as Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Advanced Systems, Bharat Forge, and Adani Defence & Aerospace are expected to emerge as key contenders. Their involvement would not only strengthen India’s industrial base but also contribute to technological self-reliance in a critical domain that has traditionally depended on foreign suppliers.
Moreover, successful execution of this program could position Indian companies as future exporters of advanced air defence solutions, aligning with the country’s broader goal of becoming a global defence manufacturing hub.
