The Indian Army has initiated an accelerated procurement of six AK-630 close-in air defense guns to reinforce security in border towns recently hit during clashes with Pakistan.
The deal, reported by ANI News, will see the systems sourced from Advanced Weapons and Equipment India (AWEIL) as part of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a strategic program to establish a nationwide air defense grid.
Planned deployment areas include border districts and religious sites in Kashmir, where the systems will defend against drones, rockets, artillery shells, and mortar fire.
The decision follows operational insights from Operation Sindoor, after which defense planners identified the need for rapid-response anti-air systems to safeguard civilian zones. A senior Army officer told The Times of India the purchase falls under emergency procurement provisions approved following the escalation.
“Additional AK-630 units, known for their high rate of fire and point-defense capability, will be ordered in later stages,” the officer confirmed.
About the AK-630
The AK-630 is a fully automatic 30 mm Gatling gun developed in the Soviet Union and subsequently modernized for contemporary defense roles. Its name denotes six 2-meter barrels capable of firing 4,000 rounds per minute at targets up to 4 km away, with a muzzle velocity of 900 m/s.
Weighing approximately 1,000 kg, it can be towed or trailer-mounted for quick repositioning. The system integrates an electro-optical fire control unit to ensure target acquisition and engagement in day, night, and low-visibility conditions.
Once operational, these guns will connect to the Army’s Akashteer AI-based command network, enabling networked air defense operations across the northern frontier.
