Latest news with #NegevLMG
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indian Army is testing an AI machine gun that can detect, decide and destroy enemy on its own: Watch live demo
An Indian company has conducted the country's first trial of an AI-enabled lethal weapon system in collaboration with the Indian Army . The test featured an autonomous machine gun capable of detecting and engaging targets with precision at long distances. It marks a major step in India's efforts to modernise its defence platforms using artificial intelligence. First autonomous gun trial conducted by Indian firm Between 1–8 June 2025, Bengaluru-based defence firm BSS carried out trials of an AI-controlled Negev light machine gun fitted with a 7.62×51 mm barrel. The tests were conducted at high altitude, with the system successfully identifying and tracking targets at up to 300 metres and engaging with accuracy at 600 metres. The maximum effective range of the Negev LMG is 1,000 metres. 'This is the first AI‑driven weapon in India that can fire any gun up to .50 calibre,' said Vicki Chaudhary, co-founder of BSS, during a television interview. 'We are now among a group of select few countries which are performing successful trial of an autonomous lethal weapon.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo — BSS_Alliance (@BSS_Alliance) Capabilities include sensor fusion and remote operation The machine gun uses a combination of thermal and optical sensors to detect targets in low visibility and employs ballistic compensation for factors like wind, temperature, and range. The system can be operated remotely using an encrypted command link, reducing the need to place troops in exposed positions. Live Events Initial tests began on 5 April in Roorkee, and the high-altitude phase took place at 14,500 feet, according to Chaudhary. The company also said that the weapon system could function in an autonomous mode inside a bunker for up to 21 days. It can also be mounted on armoured vehicles and naval platforms using a stabilised system. Growing demand for AI-driven weapons The trials come at a time when the Indian Army is expanding its light machine gun inventory. In 2020, India ordered 16,479 Negev guns from Israel, and the Army has projected a need for 40,000 units. The demand was further reinforced by the use of Indian-made weapons during Operation Sindoor, which involved action along the Pakistan border. The Ministry of Defence is allocating ₹100 crore every year for AI research and development projects. This is part of the government's 'Make in India' defence production plan, which targets ₹1.75 lakh crore in production and ₹35,000 crore in exports. 'It will help our troops in adverse conditions,' Chaudhary said. 'And our idea is that there should be minimum intervention in manning a bunker.' Aligns with India's AI defence roadmap The trial is in line with India's strategy to build AI-powered defence systems such as drones, unmanned ground vehicles, and autonomous submarines. These technologies are being developed to reduce human risk and strengthen India's control over difficult terrain and high-risk areas.
India Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
India successfully tests AI-enabled light machine guns in high-altitude terrain
In a step towards enhancing autonomous combat capabilities, India on Monday successfully tested an artificial intelligence-enabled light machine gun (LMG) system in high-altitude terrain. Developed by Dehradun-based defence firm BSS Material Ltd., the AI-powered Negev LMG underwent trials in collaboration with the Indian Army at an altitude of 14,000 feet, officials advanced weapon system demonstrated its ability to autonomously identify and engage targets in challenging mountain environments, a crucial advantage for operations along India's rugged border trials, focused on functionality and accuracy, are part of a broader push to modernise the armed forces through indigenous innovation under the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. According to BSS Material, the AI-integrated system maintained stable target acquisition, adaptive fire control, and semi-autonomous surveillance throughout the trials. Engineers said the weapon's core lies in a sophisticated multi-sensor AI module capable of automatic target detection, friend-foe classification, and real-time technological features include:Thermal and optical sensor fusion for precision targetingBallistic compensation for wind, range, and temperature variablesEncrypted remote command compatibilityThe AI-powered Negev system is designed for deployment in high-risk or logistically challenging environments. It can be used for base defence, convoy protection, and perimeter security where constant threat levels require rapid response but troop deployment remains the modular nature of the system, BSS engineers noted that the AI module is platform-agnostic and can be integrated with a wide range of weapon systems, from light machine guns to anti-drone solutions. Deployment options include tripods, remote weapon stations (RWS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), and static test followed Operation Sindoor, where Indian weapons outperformed their Pakistani counterparts in field conditions. With the integration of AI in weapons like the Negev, India aims to extend its strategic reach into remote and high-risk zones with reduced dependence on manpower.
