A Bengaluru-based defence company, BSS Alliance ( Bharat Supply and Service), has developed a drone platform equipped with a firearm, designed for low-altitude tactical operations. The drone integrates with an assault rifle—ideally the AK-203—and is capable of surveillance as well as remote engagement. The system was recently tested in collaboration with the Indian Army.
India’s first AI-lethal weapon trial held in June 2025
Earlier this week, BSS Alliance also conducted a trial of India’s first AI-powered LMG weapon system in partnership with the Indian Army. The system used an Israeli Negev light machine gun with a 7.62×51 mm barrel. Operated through artificial intelligence, the system was able to detect and engage targets using a remote interface.
“This is the first AI-driven weapon in India that can fire any gun up to .50 calibre,” said Vicki Chaudhary, co-founder of BSS Alliance, during a televised interview. She added that only a few companies worldwide have conducted successful trials of autonomous lethal weapon systems.
During the trials, the AI-enabled platform identified targets at a distance of 300 metres and engaged them accurately up to 600 metres. The weapon's effective range is rated at 1,000 metres.
Features and technical details of the platform
The AI-based weapon system is equipped with both thermal and optical sensors. These allow the system to detect targets in low visibility and calculate ballistic paths based on wind, temperature, and distance. The weapon can be operated via an encrypted remote communication network.
Also Read: Indian Army is testing an AI machine gun that can detect, decide and destroy enemy on its own: Watch live demo
According to BSS Alliance, initial tests began in Roorkee on April 5. The system was also tested in high-altitude conditions at 14,500 feet. The platform can function autonomously inside a bunker for up to 21 days and can also be installed on vehicles and naval ships using a stabilised mount.
India’s AI defence strategy and drone push
The Indian Army has been gradually moving towards automation and AI-enabled systems. The government has allocated ₹100 crore annually for AI-based projects in the defence sector as part of the “Make in India” initiative. This strategy also supports the development of domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and potential for exports.
In 2020, India procured 16,479 Negev machine guns from Israel, with the total requirement projected at 40,000 units. The current AI-enabled drone platform tested by BSS Alliance is part of this shift towards advanced and indigenous defence technologies.
Modernising assault rifles across Indian forces
The Indian Army has set a requirement for around 8.16 lakh new 7.62mm rifles to replace ageing 5.56mm INSAS rifles. The AK-203 rifle, jointly made under an Indo-Russian agreement, is one of the key replacements. India has placed an order for 770,000 of these rifles.
Additionally, India acquired 140,000 SIG716 rifles from the United States to meet immediate needs. The integration of such rifles into new platforms—including AI-powered drones—shows a broader push to modernise small arms systems across the armed forces.
India’s first AI-lethal weapon trial held in June 2025
Earlier this week, BSS Alliance also conducted a trial of India’s first AI-powered LMG weapon system in partnership with the Indian Army. The system used an Israeli Negev light machine gun with a 7.62×51 mm barrel. Operated through artificial intelligence, the system was able to detect and engage targets using a remote interface.
“This is the first AI-driven weapon in India that can fire any gun up to .50 calibre,” said Vicki Chaudhary, co-founder of BSS Alliance, during a televised interview. She added that only a few companies worldwide have conducted successful trials of autonomous lethal weapon systems.
The next innovative leap at @BSS_Alliance after #TRIYAM-#3D
— BSS - Bharat Supply & Support - Alliance (@BSS_Alliance) June 25, 2025
A game-changing evolution in low-flying tactical drone warfare—integrating an #AssaultRifle, ideally #AK203, with a low-altitude, high-agility drone platform for #Precision #Mobility #Lethality#DroneWarfare #DroneAK203 pic.twitter.com/iXTAA0MxpD
During the trials, the AI-enabled platform identified targets at a distance of 300 metres and engaged them accurately up to 600 metres. The weapon's effective range is rated at 1,000 metres.
Features and technical details of the platform
The AI-based weapon system is equipped with both thermal and optical sensors. These allow the system to detect targets in low visibility and calculate ballistic paths based on wind, temperature, and distance. The weapon can be operated via an encrypted remote communication network.
Also Read: Indian Army is testing an AI machine gun that can detect, decide and destroy enemy on its own: Watch live demo
According to BSS Alliance, initial tests began in Roorkee on April 5. The system was also tested in high-altitude conditions at 14,500 feet. The platform can function autonomously inside a bunker for up to 21 days and can also be installed on vehicles and naval ships using a stabilised mount.
India’s AI defence strategy and drone push
The Indian Army has been gradually moving towards automation and AI-enabled systems. The government has allocated ₹100 crore annually for AI-based projects in the defence sector as part of the “Make in India” initiative. This strategy also supports the development of domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and potential for exports.
In 2020, India procured 16,479 Negev machine guns from Israel, with the total requirement projected at 40,000 units. The current AI-enabled drone platform tested by BSS Alliance is part of this shift towards advanced and indigenous defence technologies.
#TRIYAM #3D#Detect | #Decide | #Destroy#AiDriven #Autonomous #Lethal #WeaponSystem @NewsIADN@alpha_defense@BSS_Materiel @DefenceDecode @DefProdnIndia @sudhirchaudhary @ABPNews @NEWS9 @DDNewslive @PTI_News @AnalysisDefense @SpokespersonMoD @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/e6YRuIPUCc
— BSS - Bharat Supply & Support - Alliance (@BSS_Alliance) June 23, 2025
Modernising assault rifles across Indian forces
The Indian Army has set a requirement for around 8.16 lakh new 7.62mm rifles to replace ageing 5.56mm INSAS rifles. The AK-203 rifle, jointly made under an Indo-Russian agreement, is one of the key replacements. India has placed an order for 770,000 of these rifles.
Additionally, India acquired 140,000 SIG716 rifles from the United States to meet immediate needs. The integration of such rifles into new platforms—including AI-powered drones—shows a broader push to modernise small arms systems across the armed forces.
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