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.”
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.
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.
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.”
#AI-Driven machine guns are going to change the modern-day #Battlefield #economics.
— BSS - Bharat Supply & Support - Alliance (@BSS_Alliance) June 14, 2025
Right now, we're shooting down a $ 10,000 drone with a $100,000 missile and now with an AI-Driven #MachineGun, which a bullet costs $ 10 to shoot down #Drones - @MadisonMills22 pic.twitter.com/7uOUaSRLiY
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.
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.
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