SSS Defence has supplied its indigenously developed T-12 semi-automatic shotguns to the Indian Army Northern Command, marking another step in India’s efforts to counter the growing battlefield threat posed by low-flying drones and FPV unmanned systems.
Although the exact number of weapons delivered has not been disclosed, the induction highlights the increasing global adoption of combat shotguns for counter-drone missions — a trend accelerated by lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian War.
The T-12 is currently being displayed at the Northtech Symposium 2026, a major platform focused on showcasing indigenous military technologies related to drones, electronic warfare, and infantry modernization.
T-12 Shotgun Specifications
The T-12 is a 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun featuring a 20-inch nitride-treated barrel and compatibility with detachable five-round and ten-round magazines.
Designed and manufactured entirely in India, the weapon includes a full-length Picatinny rail for mounting optics, thermal imagers, reflex sights, and other mission-specific accessories required for combat and anti-drone operations.
The shotgun weighs approximately 3.8 kilograms and uses high-strength 7075-T6 aluminum for both the upper and lower receivers, balancing durability with reduced weight for troops operating in demanding combat environments.
According to reports, SSS Defence successfully demonstrated the T-12 neutralizing drone targets during recent field trials at ranges of around 90 meters, highlighting its intended role against low-altitude quadcopters and FPV drones.
Growing Role of Shotguns in Counter-Drone Warfare
The rise of combat shotguns as anti-drone weapons has been strongly influenced by battlefield experiences from the Russo-Ukrainian War, where both sides increasingly rely on modified FPV drones for reconnaissance and strike missions.
Traditional assault rifles often face difficulty engaging small, agile, low-flying drones because of the precision required to hit rapidly moving targets. Shotguns, however, disperse multiple pellets in a spread pattern, increasing the likelihood of damaging propellers, electronics, or flight-control systems.
Even minor pellet strikes can destabilize quadcopters and force them to crash, making shotguns an effective last-line defense tool for trench warfare, urban combat, and close-range force protection.
Global Counter-Drone Shotgun Trends
Several military forces worldwide are now adapting shotguns specifically for anti-drone operations. Platforms used during the Ukraine conflict reportedly include the Vepr-12, variants of the Remington Model 870, and the Turkish-made Hatsan Escort BTS-12.
Italian firearms manufacturer Benelli has also introduced a dedicated anti-drone version of its Benelli M4 shotgun called the M4 A.I. Drone Guardian, which the company claims can engage drones at ranges of up to 100 meters under favorable conditions.
Beyond shotguns, militaries are also exploring alternative close-range counter-drone solutions. Russia has reportedly tested net-launching ammunition compatible with GP-series underbarrel grenade launchers, while the United States Army’s Precision Grenadier System program is expected to contribute to future low-altitude drone interception efforts.
A notable feature of the T-12 is its logistical compatibility with other SSS Defence weapon systems. The company has standardized several components across its firearm lineup, reducing maintenance complexity, training requirements, and spare-part burdens for security forces already operating SSS Defence platforms.
