Indian Navy Integrates HEPF Shells on AK-630 Guns to Counter Swarm Drone Threats
In a significant advancement for maritime defense, the Indian Navy is set to deploy high-explosive pre-fragmented (HEPF) shells on its AK-630 naval guns, enhancing its capability to counter the rising threat of swarm drones. These advanced munitions, designed to engage multiple aerial targets simultaneously, mark a crucial step forward in protecting naval assets from increasingly sophisticated drone attacks.
The HEPF shells, developed indigenously by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are specifically tailored for use in modern naval warfare. Each shell carries a 1kg explosive payload and, upon detonation, disperses around 600 metal shrapnels at a blistering speed of 850 meters per second. This rapid dispersal creates a lethal cloud with a radius of up to five kilometers, capable of neutralizing multiple drones in one strike. The inclusion of such a high-density shrapnel pattern ensures that even the most agile of swarm drones find it nearly impossible to evade destruction.
The AK-630 gun, a close-in weapon system (CIWS) already deployed across various Indian naval vessels, is well-suited to accommodate these advanced shells. The system, known for its rapid-fire capability and precision, can deliver up to 5,000 rounds per minute, making it a formidable defense mechanism against fast-moving aerial threats. The integration of HEPF shells into this platform significantly boosts the Navy’s ability to protect its vessels, especially in high-risk zones such as the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean Region, where drone attacks have become a growing concern.
The Indian Navy’s decision to adopt the HEPF shell comes in response to the evolving nature of aerial threats, particularly the use of swarm drones by adversaries. These drones, often deployed in large numbers, can overwhelm traditional defense systems, making them a serious threat to naval operations. By deploying HEPF shells, the Navy ensures that it has a reliable countermeasure to these tactics, capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously and with high effectiveness.
The development of the HEPF shell was a collaborative effort between ARDE and the Indian Navy, with the Navy providing crucial technical inputs throughout the process. Extensive trials were conducted to validate the shell’s performance, ensuring it met the stringent operational requirements of the Navy. The successful completion of these trials has paved the way for the mass production of these shells, with production documents already handed over to the Naval Armament Inspectorate. This move allows the Navy to place orders based on its operational needs, ensuring a steady supply of these critical munitions.
In addition to its primary role in countering drone threats, the HEPF shell also enhances the Navy’s overall firepower, providing an effective solution against a range of aerial and surface threats. The versatility of the AK-630 gun, combined with the advanced capabilities of the HEPF shell, ensures that the Indian Navy is well-prepared to face the challenges of modern maritime warfare.
As drone technology continues to evolve, the Indian Navy’s proactive approach in adopting advanced countermeasures like the HEPF shell demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture. This development not only strengthens the Navy’s ability to protect its assets but also serves as a testament to India’s growing capabilities in defense technology and indigenous weapon systems.
