Latest news with #BSSMaterial
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Russia Today
India tests AI-based machine gun (VIDEO)
The Indian Army has successfully tested an AI-enabled light machine gun at an altitude of 14,000 feet, military officials said on Monday. The weapon was developed by Indian defense firm BSS Material Ltd., and is based on the AI-powered Negev, a gun originally developed by Israel Weapon Industries. During trials, the gun successfully showcased its capability to autonomously identify and engage targets in complex mountainous terrain, a crucial feature for effective operations in India's rugged and challenging border regions. The weapon's core strength stems from a sophisticated multi-sensor AI module, which enables advanced capabilities such as automatic target detection, friend-foe classification, and real-time engagement, allowing for precise and effective operation, an India Today report said. The system is ideal for applications such as base defense, convoy protection, and perimeter security, particularly in situations where threat levels are consistently high and where troop deployment is challenging or impractical, according to officials cited in the report. The system's primary armament consists of a 7.62 mm medium machine gun, which is mounted on a tripod for stability. The primary weapon can be easily swapped out to accommodate different operational requirements. Additionally, the system is equipped with sensors and technologies, including an optical camera, thermal imager, GPS, magnetometer, inclinometer, and laser rangefinder, according to Indian defense officials. India's defense manufacturing is emerging as a cornerstone of New Delhi's strategic and economic ambitions, and government policies are focusing on modern weaponry which is both designed and manufactured in India, industry experts noted. The Indian military has identified over 5,000 items that must be manufactured in the country rather than rely on imports. Dehradun-based #BSSMaterial has successfully conducted High Altitude Trials of it's AI-driven Autonomous Lethal Weapons System (Negev LMG) with the #IndianArmy at 14,000ft. Called the positive indigenization list (PIL), the initiative began in 2020 and aims to offer defense items to be indigenized by Indian manufacturers, including small and medium enterprises and startups. In recent years, New Delhi has introduced a range of initiatives and policies aimed at encouraging private sector companies to engage in defense manufacturing, in an effort to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. According to defense ministry data, India aspires to achieve $34 billion in defense production by 2029.
India Today
3 days ago
- 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.
