SOURCE: AFI
India’s quest to modernize its air defense capabilities has taken a significant step forward with the issuance of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a successor to the aging L70 and Zu-23 anti-aircraft guns. According to Lt. Gen. D’Cunha, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Capability Development and Sustenance), the RFP calls for 220 new artillery systems paired with cutting-edge smart ammunition. With trials slated to begin in July 2025 and a contract expected by May-June 2026, this initiative underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to self-reliance, explicitly ruling out imports and prioritizing indigenous solutions. The inclusion of smart ammunition promises to revolutionize air defense efficiency, marking a leap into next-generation warfare technology.
The L70 (40mm) and Zu-23 (23mm) guns, inducted into service decades ago, have been the backbone of India’s short-range air defense against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. While reliable in their era, these systems—rooted in Cold War designs—struggle to counter modern threats like stealth aircraft, precision-guided munitions, and swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). With obsolescence looming and maintenance costs rising, the Army recognized the urgent need for a successor that aligns with contemporary battlefield demands.
The RFP for 220 guns signals a robust replacement plan, aimed at bolstering the Army’s ability to protect critical assets, troop formations, and infrastructure from aerial threats. The emphasis on indigenous development reflects India’s broader Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) policy, ensuring that the next gun system is designed, built, and sustained domestically.
What sets this procurement apart is the integration of smart ammunition—a transformative leap over traditional high-explosive (HE) rounds. Lt. Gen. D’Cunha highlighted its significance: “Smart ammunition is the next level. Every round can be programmed, and 17 rounds of high explosive rounds can be roughly equated to one round of smart ammunition. It increases kill probability and reduces logistics.”
Unlike conventional rounds, smart ammunition—often incorporating proximity fuses, programmable detonation, or course-correcting features—can adapt to dynamic targets. For instance, a single smart round could detonate at an optimal altitude to maximize shrapnel dispersion against a drone swarm, a task that might require a barrage of 17 HE rounds. This precision not only enhances lethality but also minimizes ammunition expenditure, easing the logistical burden on forward-deployed units—a critical advantage in prolonged conflicts along India’s contested borders.
The shift to smart munitions also aligns with global trends. Systems like the U.S. Army’s 30mm XM1198 smart rounds or Russia’s 57mm guided projectiles demonstrate how programmable ammunition can counter agile threats like UAVs and loitering munitions, which have proliferated in modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Lt. Gen. D’Cunha outlined a clear roadmap for the program. The RFP, already issued, has set the stage for Indian defense firms to submit proposals. Trials are scheduled to commence in July 2025, allowing manufacturers time to refine prototypes and demonstrate compliance with the Army’s technical requirements. These trials—likely to include live-fire tests against simulated aerial targets—will assess accuracy, reliability, and integration with smart ammunition.
Following evaluations, the Army anticipates finalizing the contract between May and June 2026. This 18-month timeline reflects a streamlined acquisition process, driven by the urgency to replace the L70 and Zu-23 systems and the Army’s confidence in India’s private and public sector capabilities. Companies like Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and Tata Advanced Systems, alongside DRDO, are expected to vie for the contract, leveraging their expertise in artillery and electronics.
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