The Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a premier laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has shortlisted SSS Defence and the Kalyani Group as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPPs) to design and develop India's first indigenous 20 millimetre aviation gun and turret system, according to AffairsCloud's current-affairs report summarising the DRDO programme.
Source: AffairsCloud (DRDO/ARDE)
The gun is being developed for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-IV, known as Rudra, and the Light Combat Helicopter, known as Prachand. Both helicopters currently rely on the imported THL-20 turret housing the 20mm M621 cannon supplied by European firm KNDS, formerly Nexter, Defence Chronicle reported.
Source: Defence Chronicle
The design and development phase is expected to take about two years, after which production orders will be placed following the acceptance phase. The production order will be divided between the two partners based on cost — the lowest bidder will receive 60 per cent of the order and the other company 40 per cent.
An MoU between ARDE and HAL had earlier laid the foundation for indigenising aviation weapons, and the two private firms were selected following a competitive process. The programme marks India's first full design-and-development effort for a medium-calibre aviation gun, moving beyond licensed production or assembly.
Medium-calibre aircraft guns demand high reliability under severe vibration and seamless integration with fire-control systems. A fully indigenous gun would equip the existing Rudra and Prachand fleets without foreign dependence and build design expertise for future helicopter and aircraft programmes.