New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of Defence has issued an official requirement for 23mm High-Explosive Incendiary (HEI) test ammunition for the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 series guns fitted on several aircraft including the HAL Tejas and legacy Soviet-origin platforms such as MiG jets and helicopters.
This move aims to support testing and evaluation of these autocannons, which are widely used across Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army Aviation fleets.
The request seeks suppliers to provide 23×115 mm HEI rounds for controlled firing tests. These guns, known for their high rate of fire and reliability, form a core part of India’s aircraft weapon systems for air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
GSh-23 Guns: Backbone of Multiple Platforms
The GSh-23 twin-barrel autocannon fires 23×115 mm ammunition, originally developed in the Soviet Union and still in active use worldwide. It is installed internally on the HAL Tejas combat aircraft and in gun pods or mounted systems on older jets and rotary-wing aircraft.
On Tejas, the internal GSh-23 provides a reliable close-combat weapon, complementing missiles and rockets. On other aircraft and helicopters of Soviet origin operated by India, similar weapons serve in both offensive and defensive roles.
Importance of 23mm HEI Test Rounds
India’s effort to procure test rounds reflects a continuing emphasis on modernising and validating legacy systems alongside indigenous platforms like Tejas. By ensuring adequate ammunition availability for trials, the armed forces can complete necessary firing tests, assess weapon performance, and maintain combat readiness.
It also demonstrates the Ministry’s focus on defence preparedness and its willingness to maintain and upgrade existing assets while simultaneously building domestic defence manufacturing capabilities through competitive sourcing.
Broader Defence Impact of 23mm HEI Test Rounds
The 23mm HEI rounds under evaluation are expected to support not just test programmes but also future operational deployments if weapon system upgrades are approved. Continued investment in ammunition supply chains supports India’s air defence and close air support capabilities — vital for air force and army aviation operations in diverse terrain and threat environments.
