The Indian Army is ramping up its procurement efforts for six AK-630 air defense guns, a move aimed at enhancing security in towns that have been vulnerable to attacks during recent tensions with neighboring Pakistan. This procurement is part of a broader initiative dubbed Mission “Sudarshan Chakra,” which is designed to establish a comprehensive national air defense shield.
The six AK-630 systems will be sourced from the state-run Advanced Weapons and Equipment India. These advanced artillery pieces are intended to bolster defenses against various aerial threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), rockets, and mortar fire, particularly in critical population centers and religious sites situated close to the international border, with a focus on the Kashmir region.
The acquisition is a direct response to insights gained from Operation Sindoor, during which Pakistan targeted Indian border areas earlier this year. This operation underscored the urgent requirement for quicker, more effective defense mechanisms to safeguard civilian lives in conflict-prone zones.
According to an officer from the Indian Army, the procurement will be expedited under an emergency procurement program that has been authorized following the standoff with Pakistan. “More such guns, which act as close-in weapon systems because of their high rate of fire, will be ordered at a later stage,” the officer noted, indicating that the initiative may expand in the future.
The AK-630 is a fully automatic rotary cannon that was originally developed in the 1970s by the Soviet Union and has been upgraded to address contemporary multi-domain threats. Its designation highlights its six 2-meter barrels and 30-millimeter caliber. The cannon boasts a staggering muzzle velocity of 900 meters per second and the capability to fire an impressive 4,000 rounds per minute at targets within a range of 4 kilometers.
Weighing 1,000 kilograms, the AK-630 can be both trailer-mounted and transported using high-mobility vehicles for rapid deployment in various scenarios. Its advanced features include an all-weather electro-optical fire control system, enabling it to actively detect and engage targets in diverse conditions, including day, night, and low visibility.
Once operational, the AK-630 systems will be integrated into the Indian Army’s Akashteer AI-enabled command network, facilitating coordinated, real-time responses to aerial threats. This integration is expected to enhance situational awareness and improve the effectiveness of India’s air defense capabilities.
