After Op Sindoor, Navy boosts firepower with indigenous anti-aircraft gun barrels

After being aggressively deployed during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy continues to enhance its combat readiness while accelerating its Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda.

From conducting large-scale maritime drills with the UK’s Royal Navy in the Northern Arabian Sea to expanding its indigenous arsenal, the Navy is making significant strides toward self-reliance.

The latest milestone in this push is the indigenous production of anti-aircraft gun barrels for the Navy’s frontline weapon, the Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM).

For the first time, these barrels are being manufactured at the Field Gun Factory in Kanpur, replacing those previously imported and produced under license from Italian defence firm OTO Melara at BHEL Haridwar.

Two barrels have already been delivered to the Navy, with all current and future warships set to receive the Kanpur-made versions. Developed over three years by a team of 12 engineers, the indigenous barrels are expected to reduce costs and eliminate dependency on foreign suppliers.

The SRGM is a high-speed, medium-calibre naval gun system capable of firing 120 rounds per minute. With a barrel length of 4,588 mm, it fires 76mm shells and can engage targets, including fast-moving aircraft and missiles, up to 15 km away. Its strength lies in its rapid rate of fire and precision, making it ideal for multi-target scenarios in modern naval warfare.

The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,956.89 crore deal with BHEL Haridwar for 16 upgraded SRGM systems and associated components, further reinforcing the Navy’s operational capabilities.

Tune In