New Delhi: Russia’s famous defence manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern has signed a licensing agreement with an Indian partner to manufacture MP-155 shotguns in India. The development marks a new step in India-Russia defence cooperation and could strengthen India’s ability to produce weapons designed to counter small, low-flying drones.
The MP-155 was originally developed as a hunting shotgun. However, it has gained attention for its potential use against FPV and other small drones on modern battlefields.
Kalashnikov Confirms MP-155 Shotgun Manufacturing Agreement In India
Kalashnikov Concern President Alan Lushnikov confirmed the licensing agreement on November 2, 2026, according to reports.
Read also: How India Plans to Destroy Lethal Drones Without Bullet, Missile and Costly Counter-Drone Systems
Under the agreement, an Indian company will manufacture MP-155 shotguns with technical support from the Russian manufacturer. However, the company has not yet publicly revealed the name of its Indian manufacturing partner.
The production location, manufacturing capacity, investment details and expected starting date have also not been announced.
What Is The MP-155 Shotgun
The MP-155 is a semi-automatic, 12-gauge shotgun developed by Russia’s Izhevsk Mechanical Plant.
It was originally designed for hunting and entered production in 2011-2012, according to available manufacturer information.
The weapon uses a gas-operated system and is designed to fire different types of shotgun ammunition.
Kalashnikov has also developed specialised versions for military and security applications, including counter-drone operations.
Why Is The MP-155 Shotgun Being Used Against Drones
Small drones, especially First-Person View (FPV) drones, have become a major challenge in modern warfare.
These drones can fly at low altitudes, move quickly and carry explosive payloads. They can threaten soldiers, military vehicles and important defence positions.
Traditional rifles can face difficulties when targeting small and fast-moving aerial objects.
A shotgun can provide another close-range defence option because its ammunition releases multiple pellets, increasing the area covered by a shot.
Kalashnikov has promoted a specialised MP-155 version for engaging low-flying aerial targets at distances of around 50 to 100 metres. This is a manufacturer-reported capability, not an independently verified performance guarantee. However, shotguns are only one part of counter-drone defence. They cannot replace radar systems, electronic warfare equipment and dedicated drone-interception technologies.
What are the Features Of The MP-155 Shotgun
The MP-155 is available in different configurations. Its specialised anti-drone version has been associated with additional equipment for military applications. These include:
- Tactical accessories for specialised operational requirements.
- Picatinny rails for compatible equipment.
- Optical sighting options.
- Night-vision equipment compatibility.
- Extended magazine configurations.
The manufacturer has not confirmed which specific version will be manufactured in India.
Earlier Kalashnikov Agreements For Anti-Drone Weapons
The latest manufacturing agreement follows earlier cooperation between Kalashnikov and Indian partners.
In June 2026, Kalashnikov announced agreements involving the supply of anti-drone shotguns, specialised cartridges and pistols to Indian customers.
The company also showcased the MP-155 and Saiga shotguns at the India Homeland Security Expo in New Delhi.
These developments highlight growing interest in weapons and equipment designed to deal with small unmanned aerial vehicles.
The latest agreement goes a step further by introducing the possibility of local MP-155 manufacturing in India instead of depending entirely on imported products.
Read also: India Advances Indigenous Counter-Drone Capability With JWALA Micro-Missile Programme Breakthrough
FAQs
Yes. Kalashnikov has confirmed a licensing agreement with an Indian partner for local MP-155 production. However, the Indian partner and manufacturing location have not yet been publicly disclosed.
The MP-155 is a Russian-made, semi-automatic 12-gauge shotgun developed by Kalashnikov. Its specialised version is designed to provide close-range protection against small, low-flying drones.
The proposed manufacturing arrangement could strengthen India’s domestic defence production capabilities and provide another close-range option for countering small drones. It also expands India-Russia defence industrial cooperation.
