Lead
Kalashnikov, the Russian weapons manufacturer, is in advanced negotiations with an Indian company to supply anti-drone cartridges, with the possibility of future production localization in India, as reported by TASS citing Maxim Karavaev, the company's business development director for India. The negotiations cover trial deliveries of large batches of anti-drone cartridges designed for rifled automatic small arms, which are already in service with Indian security forces.
Coverage Comparison
All reports originate from TASS, the Russian state news agency, and are drawn from the 10th India Homeland Security Expo in New Delhi. The coverage presents a mix of business developments: contracts signed for civilian drones and small arms, and advanced talks for other products. A single article, appearing in several TASS articles, frames the news as an expansion of Kalashnikov's footprint in the Indian market.
Key Claims
According to TASS, Kalashnikov has signed contracts for the supply of civilian small arms to Indian partners until the end of 2026. The deal includes anti-drone shotguns, anti-drone cartridges of various calibers, and pistols. Kalashnikov's press service touted the effectiveness of its counter-drone products.
A separate TASS article reports that Kalashnikov has signed a contract to supply Karakurt civilian quadcopters to an Indian partner, with delivery expected by the end of 2026. Negotiations are also underway to organize licensed production of the Karakurt in India, the company ’s said.
Reports also state that Kalashnikov plans to participate in India ’s UAV procurement program for the armed forces with the SKAT 350M, marketed in India as the Garuda. The drone has been tested in high-altitude conditions, with the company claiming it set a record of its class, reaching 9,500 meters in the Himalayas, and performing well under electronic warfare conditions.
The advanced negotiations for anti-drone cartridges were highlighted by Karavaev in an interview with TASS. He noted that the Indian Ministry of Defense and Indian partners have long requested anti-drone cartridges for rifled automatic small arms. He also mentioned two areas of counter-drone work in India: specialized anti-drone shotguns and cartridges. The Saiga-12 shotgun is being promoted as a product that will be comfortable for Indian personnel familiar with the Kalashnikov rifle.
Regarding the Karakurt drone, TASS reports that it has received positive feedback after being tested in the Special Military Operation area, a reference to Russia ’s military action in Ukraine.