New Delhi: The Indian Navy indigenous 30 mm naval gun programme is gaining traction as New Delhi pushes for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. In a strategic leap, the Indian Navy has issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Indian industry for designing and developing a 30 mm Naval Surface Gun (NSG) integrated with an advanced electro-optical fire control system. This effort aims to replace aging imports with cutting-edge, home-grown firepower that can counter aerial and maritime threats.
Why the Indian Navy Need an Indigenous 30 mm Naval Gun
The Indian Navy operates a variety of warships that require effective close-range defence against fast, low-signature threats such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS/UAVs), fast attack craft, and asymmetric maritime dangers. Historically, systems like the legacy Soviet-designed CRN-91 and AK-630 30 mm guns have filled this role on many Indian platforms.
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However, these foreign systems, while reliable, underscore a dependency on imports for critical weapon systems. To address this vulnerability, the Navy wants a fully Indian-designed and manufactured 30 mm gun system, marking a shift from buy-foreign to make-in-India production.
Details of Indian Navy Indigenous 30 mm Naval Gun
The Expression of Interest (EOI) invites Indian firms — including private manufacturers, MSMEs, start-ups, and defence PSUs — to submit technical proposals for a 30 mm NSG equipped with a Electro-Optical Fire Control System (EOFCS).
Key requirements include:
- A stabilised turret-mounted 30 mm autocannon capable of firing at a rate of over 1,200 rounds/minute.
- EOFCS integration for autonomous detection, tracking, and engagement of dynamic threats even in low visibility.
- Compatibility with fleet Combat Management Systems (CMS) for networked warfare.
- Lightweight and rugged design suitable for corvettes, frigates, and offshore patrol vessels.
Importance of Indian Navy Indigenous 30 mm Naval Gun
The NSG project has the express goal of strengthening India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem. By prioritising Indigenous Design, Development & Manufacturing (IDDM), the programme encourages technology transfer and innovation.
A specially constituted Project Facilitation Team (PFT) — under the Indian Navy and the Ministry of Defence — will oversee timelines, prototype development, and integration trials. Successful proposals could eventually lead to full production under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) acquisition category.
The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing an increase in unmanned aerial threats, swarm boats, and fast surface craft armed with small weapons. An advanced indigenous naval gun with remote operation and precise fire control will significantly increase fleet survivability in these high-tempo scenarios.
Moving to domestic guns also aligns with broader defence policies to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and strengthen export opportunities for Indian weapon systems.
Challenges and Outlook
Developing a reliable naval gun system involves technical challenges, including stabilisation under rough sea states, minimising recoil forces, and standardising indigenous ammunition types like the 30×165 mm cartridge.
The Navy expects prototypes within the next 24–36 months, followed by sea trials aboard test platforms such as corvettes or newer Project 17A frigates. Larger scale orders could follow for use across India’s surface fleet.
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