Indian Army T-12 Anti-Drone Shotguns: Bengaluru-based SSS Defence has sent its T-12 counter-drone shotguns to the Indian Army’s Northern Command. The weapon is meant for close-range drone defence, especially against small FPV drones and low-flying unmanned systems. In simple words, it is built to give soldiers a fast and low-cost way to deal with drone trouble before those drones get too close.
The T-12 is a fully indigenous 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. Reports say it has a 20-inch nitride-treated barrel, weighs around 3.8 kg, and comes with five-round and ten-round detachable magazines. It also has a full-length Picatinny rail for optics, strong 7075-T6 aluminium receivers, ambidextrous controls, and a multi-position buttstock with a cheek rest. During field evaluations, it reportedly hit drone targets at nearly 90 metres.
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Why the Army wants it
The Army is turning more attention to anti-drone weapons because modern fighting has changed fast. Drones are now being used for scouting, explosive drops, kamikaze attacks, border watching, and even targeting soldiers. Traditional rifles are often not the best answer for tiny, fast drones that fly low and move quickly. A shotgun works better here because it spreads pellets, which gives a better chance of hitting a drone’s propellers or sensitive parts.
Reports also link this choice to lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where shotguns became a practical frontline tool against drones. The big appeal of the T-12 is that it is cheaper than advanced missile systems and electronic warfare gear. It is also easier to train on, simpler to move around with, and useful for troops in trenches, border posts, urban zones, and forward positions. That fits well with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” push for more Indian-made defence tools.
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Where was it Displayed?
The T-12 was also shown at the North Tech Symposium 2026 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The event ran from May 4 to May 6, 2026, and was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. PIB said the symposium was designed to showcase indigenous technologies and help connect the Army, scientists, industry, and start-ups. It also said 284 companies were setting up stalls at the event.
That makes the T-12 part of a bigger picture. The Indian Army is not just looking at one tool. It is building a wider anti-drone shield for modern border and battlefield needs. Reports also mention similar shotgun-style systems used or studied in other countries, including the Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian, Vepr-12, Remington 870 variants, and Hatsan Escort BTS-12.
