India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a significant step toward enhancing the Indian Navy’s defense capabilities by officially handing over the production documentation for High Explosive Preformed Fragmentation (HEPF) shells to the Director General of Naval Armament Inspection. This move, confirmed by a government statement on September 3, 2024, is poised to equip the Navy with advanced munitions designed to counter the growing threat of drone swarms at sea.
The handover marks a crucial phase in the integration of these advanced 30-millimetre munitions, which were developed by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), a DRDO laboratory based in Pashan, Pune. The HEPF shells are designed to be compatible with the existing AK-630 naval gun, a close-in weapon system that is already in service on the Navy’s Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. The new shells offer enhanced fragmentation lethality compared to the currently used HE/I shells, making them particularly effective against drone swarms.
The development of the HEPF shells is timely, as recent global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have underscored the increasing use of consumer-grade uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) in military applications. These drones, often repurposed for defense, have forced military forces worldwide to rethink their tactical and strategic approaches, particularly concerning counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies.
As the market for UAS continues to expand—expected to grow from $11 billion to $18 billion over the next decade, according to GlobalData—the threat posed by these drones has become more sophisticated. Swarming technology, where multiple autonomous drones are networked together to operate as a cohesive unit, represents a new frontier in UAS capabilities. The deployment of such technology in military operations has accelerated the development of more advanced C-UAS systems, including the HEPF shells.
The manufacturing of the HEPF shells involved collaboration with three Indian companies, adhering to the specifications provided by ARDE. The shells underwent rigorous gun firing proof tests in association with the Naval Armament Inspectorate in Jabalpur, with the results confirming their suitability for use in the AK-630 naval gun.
During the official handover ceremony, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of DRDO, commended the efforts of ARDE and emphasized the importance of this development in strengthening India’s naval defense. Senior DRDO scientists and officials from naval headquarters were also present, highlighting the significance of this achievement in the broader context of India’s defense strategy.
As drone technology continues to evolve, the induction of HEPF shells into the Indian Navy’s arsenal represents a proactive approach to countering emerging threats. By bolstering its anti-drone capabilities, the Indian Navy is better equipped to protect its assets and maintain a strategic edge in the increasingly contested maritime domain. This development not only enhances the Navy’s operational readiness but also reflects India’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense technology.
