India’s move to develop a 7.62mm anti-drone round reflects the military’s search for simple, adaptable solutions to proliferating unmanned threats. Rather than relying solely on electronic warfare or dedicated air defense systems, the new ammunition would allow infantry units to engage drones using standard rifles already in service. The round is designed to burst into fragments after firing, increasing hit probability against agile UAS operating at close range. According to ARDE, testing is focused on balancing effective fragmentation with safety, ensuring predictable behavior in combat conditions. While the project remains in development, similar concepts have seen battlefield use elsewhere, notably in Ukraine, where modified small-caliber ammunition has been employed against drones. By applying the approach to the more powerful 7.62mm round, India aims to achieve longer engagement distances and improved lethality. If operationalized, the ammunition could offer a low-cost, domestically produced counter-drone capability that complements higher-end systems and enhances frontline resilience.
