India hosts a plethora of weapons across the three armed forces and each weapon has its own speed in hitting targets. Let’s see the fastest firing weapons used by India’s troops
(Disclaimer: the list is limited to guns and related systems, and doesn’t include fast firing salvos of rocket or missile systems).
Fastest weapon of Indian Navy – the AK 630 (4000 – 5000 Rounds per Minute)
This right here comes with only one candidate that has been dominating in almost all Indian navy warships in the close range weapon system domain. The Russian AK-630M. The heart of the AK-630 lies in its six-barreled 30mm AO-18 automatic cannon. This Gatling-style gun boasts a phenomenal rate of fire, unleashing a hail of bullets at a staggering 4,000 to 5,000 rounds per minute. This creates a dense “kill zone” of projectiles, significantly increasing the probability of successful target engagement. The 30mm calibre shells themselves pack a punch, capable of shredding aircraft, helicopters, and even lightly armored vessels. It relies on a sophisticated fire control system to effectively direct its firepower. It utilizes the MR-123 Vympel radar, which can detect and track incoming threats at significant distances. This radar data is then fed into a computer system that calculates the target’s trajectory and lays out the necessary firing solution for the cannon. Additionally, electro-optical (EO) tracking systems like television cameras can provide backup or primary targeting data in situations where radar performance is limited.
This is a true-to-its-name, tried and tested, one of the best Close In Weapon Systems (CIWS) in the international defense market. The AK 630 has an effective firing range of 4000-5000 metres too and is used to fire 30mm High Explosive Incendiary Frag Shells as its ammunition. While there’s a more advanced variant known as the AK 630-M-1 which has a fire rate of 10000 rounds per minute, India doesn’t possess it and all the warships i.e. stealth guided missile destroyers, conventional destroyers, frigates and corvettes are fitted with the AK 630M CIWS variant. INS Vishakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal of the Vishakhapatnam Class, INS Kolkata, Kochi and Chennai of the Kolkata Class and INS Rana of Rajput Class – all of these guided missile destroyers are featured with 4 AK 630Ms each ship. The remaining INS Ranvir and Ranvijay of Rajput Class and INS Delhi, Mysore and Mumbai of Delhi Class come with 2 AK 630Ms in each vessel. The Veer class, Kora class, Khukri and Kamorta class guided missile and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvettes, and Shivalik, Talwar Brahmaputra class guided missile frigates are fixed with 2 AK 630Ms each. Even both INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant have 4 AK630Ms installed for close range offenses.
Fastest Weapons of our Aerial Beasts
#3. Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 (1500-1800 Rounds per Minute)
Manufactured by JSC Kalashnikov Concern, the GSh-30-1 is a single barrel autocannon which is chambered in 30x165mm calibre rounds and are designed to play the part of primary armament in Russian jets. It’s single barrel stands at a length of 15m and works on the short recoil principle. Being made to fire High Explosive/High Explosive Incendiary rounds, the GSh-30-1 uses a evaporation cooling system to prevent any individual round in the chain being exploded in the heated barrel. It also features a laser rangefinder and targeting system for enhanced aim. The gun’s maximum effective range is 1800m and has a rate of fire of 1500-1800 roudns per minute.
The gun has been designed to able to produce different types of projectile including high explosive incendiary, armour piercing tracers, armour piercing incendiaries, multielement kinetic energy time fuzes etc. In the Indian arsenal, the GSh-30-1 is present is the Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs, Mig-29 Fulcrums and Navy’s Mig-29Ks. The upcoming HAL Tejas Mk2s will also feature this weapon.
#2. GIAT 30 M791 (1500-2500 Rounds per Minute)
The French origin GIAT 30 is a single barrel revolver cannon which is present in India’s Dassault Rafales as the primary close-range gun. It comes in two variants – the M781 which has a slower fire rate and is meant for attack helicopters while the M791 with the higher fire rate is meant for fighter jets. The Rafales’ GIAT 30 M791 is chambered in 30x105mmm calibre and features a select cyclic rate of fire. It can be fired in 300 or 600 rounds per minute ay controlled bursts, or 1500-2500 rounds per minute in a continuous spray, which however takes a toll on the aircraft due to the high muzzle energy accumulation and recoil. The Rafales hold a capacity of 125 rounds for its GIAT 30.
#1. Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23 (3400 – 3600 Rounds per Minute)
The GSh-23, a twin-barreled 23mm autocannon of Russian origin, is the fastest firing primary armament of Indian Air Force. Being a dual barreled weapon, the firing action of one barrel operates the mechanism of the other and provides a drastic increase in rate of fire than single barrel guns. Its barrel itself is 10m long and is chambered in 23x115mm caliber. This gun can absolutely mincemeat any incoming threat in form of aircrafts or ground mobile targets with its 3400 – 3600 rounds per minute.
This weapon is produced by the Russian company JSC Konstruktorskoe Buro Priborostroeniya (KBP) but India holds a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement over this gun and is being domestically manufactured and assembled at Ordnance Factories Board. India’s HAL Tejas jets and Mil Mi-24/ Mi-35 Super Hinds are all equipped with this weapon as their primary engagement gun. The GSh-23 is the main gun for the Tejas to counter dogfight chases.
Fastest Weapons used by India’s soldiers
Honourable Mention: Micro Uzi and Brugger & Thomet MP9
India used to have Uzis with the Special Protection Group until they were replaced by FN P90 in 2008 and right now, there are not much of them in actual use. Micro Uzi, one of the deadliest variants of this SMG are used by the Para SF in limited numbers, which can absolutely rip an enemy apart with its 1200-1500 rounds per minute. Having an effective firing range of 200m, this 9x19mm Parabellum chambered gun is one of the most iconic SMGs. However in the broader scenario they are getting replaced by the indigenous DRDO ASMI and the Brugger & Thomet MP9. The MP9 is the fastest firing SMG right now in Indian arsenal which have bigger active duty numbers. Its range is limited to 100 metres and has a firing rate of 900 rounds per minute. It comes with MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rails for fixing of foregrips and IRs in the foreguard and has Tritium illuminated night sights for nocturnal operation. Apart from the Ghatak Platoons and Para SF, the 9×19 Parabellum chambered MP9s are also used by the Mumbai Police and Punjab Police.
#4 & 5. IWI Tavor Tar-21 & M4A1 (950 Rounds per Minute)
These two fast firing guns handle the offensive for India’s Special Forces – Para SF, Garud of the Indian Air Force and MARCOS of the Indian Navy. Both are chambered in NATO 5.56x45mm and are celebrated as two of the best assault rifles in history. Israel-origin Tar-21 stands in the contention in the best bullpup assault rifle alongside the Austrian Steyr AUG. The TAR-21 features a short-stroke gas piston system that minimizes fouling and ensures smooth operation under harsh conditions. The selective fire mechanism allows for switching between semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes. The ambidextrous design caters to both right-handed and left-handed shooters. The M4A1 carbine is a derivative of the M16 rifle, which itself traces its lineage back to the AR-15 platform. This platform is known for its modularity and ease of maintenance. The M4A1 features a direct impingement gas system, where propellant gases propel the bolt carrier group directly. This design can be more susceptible to fouling compared to a piston system, but it contributes to the M4A1’s lighter weight.
What the INSAS and AKs stand for our standard infantrymen, it is the Tavors and M4s that deal the punch for our special operations forces. India’s Tavor Tar-21s are equipped with ITL MARS sights and backup iron sights, Picatinny rail on the foreguard, integrated laser and infrared pointers, coupled with occasional foregrips or the M203 grenade launchers. The M4A1s are fitted with the US’ SOPMOD Block I program, a variant below their current SOPMOD Block II. It features Comp M4 Red Dots for short range engagements or they come with Trijicon 4x ACOGs for extended range combat, quad Picatinny rails and Knights Armament Company foregrip or the M203 underbarrel grenade launcher.
The M4 can hit targets upto 600m and the Tar-21 upto 550m, both of which have a fast rate of fire upto 950 rounds per minute. Neither of them are a standard issue service rifle of India and are limited only to the special operations forces. M4s were acquired in 2008 under the Foreign Military Sales package exclusively for Para SF, NSG and MARCOS in their carbine formats which were later upgraded to the SOPMOD Block I packages for operational advancements. The TAR-21s came much earlier as India was interested in it since 2002 when a $880 million deal was signed with Israel Military Industries for 3070 for Para SF and Garuds. An additional deal of $150 million for 500 more units came by in 2010 for a MARCOS addition which also included 30 Galil snipers. Credit to this long standing partnership, IWI has been domestically manufacturing its rifle components in India under a 49:51 Joint Venture with Punj Lloyd.
#3. Sig Sauer 716I (950 Rounds per Minute)
This weapon right here is one of the more strange additions to the arsenal despite having unique positives. This gun, a NATO 7.62x51mm variant, comes as a standout in the now old SIG 516 family of NATO 5.56 platforms. Infact India’s Sig 716I is the only variant that is still in production because the firm shifted its focus towards the successor MCX family and USA’s M4 replacement – the NGSW program featuring the MCX Spear. The 716I features a short-stroke gas piston system for smooth operation and reduced fouling. The free-floating M-LOK handguard allows for the attachment of various accessories like bipods, lasers, and tactical lights. The rifle comes standard with a two-stage trigger for precise control and a Magpul PRS stock for comfortable shouldering. It has a maximum firing range of 550m and has a rate of fire of upto 950 rounds per minute.
The Sig Sauer 716i was introduced into the Indian Army’s arsenal as part of a significant effort to modernize and enhance the small arms used by its infantry. In February 2019, the Indian Army placed an order for 72,400 Sig Sauer 716i rifles under a $72 million contract. This order was part of a Fast Track Procurement (FTP) program aimed at rapidly upgrading the Army’s small arms, particularly for troops deployed in high-threat areas such as the border regions with Pakistan and China. By mid-2020, the first batch of these rifles was delivered and deployed. The Sig Sauer 716i, with its 7.62x51mm NATO chambering, was chosen for its reliability and superior range, replacing the aging Indian Small Arms System (INSAS) rifles in frontline service. Recognizing the ongoing need for modern, reliable firearms, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the procurement of an additional 70,000 Sig Sauer 716i rifles. This order, valued at approximately $100 million, was again processed under the FTP to ensure swift delivery. This second batch is intended to further equip frontline troops and supplement the initial batch.
#2. FN MAG (1000 Rounds per Minute)
One of the most iconic General Purpose Machine Guns, the Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal developed FN MAG stands strong as one of the most used and combat proven machine guns. The Indian Army first introduced the FN MAG, designated as the 7.62mm MAG 58, into service during the 1960s and 1970s. The weapon’s ability to provide sustained fire, its ease of maintenance, and its adaptability to various combat roles made it an ideal choice for India’s vast and varied terrain. It is still continued as a 7.62x51mm NATO platform although stacked with more upgrades than historic versions.
The FN MAG uses a long-stroke gas piston system with a gas regulator, which allows the operator to adjust the gas system to ensure reliable cycling under different conditions and levels of fouling. The weapon utilizes a disintegrating belt link feed system, which is efficient and reliable, enabling quick reloading and sustained firepower. It specifically uses the 100-125 round M13 ammo belts. MAG comes with a quick barrel change system and are produced with chrome-lined hammer forging or stellite-lined hammer forging for increased service life. However it’s 12kg weight is a difficulty for troops to carry it around, which in a way made it more useful to be used as a mounted offense in military vehicles and standpoints.
The FN MAG is the 2nd fastest firing weapon having a rate of fire upto 1000 rounds per minute. It has a maximum firing range of 3500m with an effective firing range from 800m to 1800m depending on the bipod/tripod configs giving it better stability. India produces the FN MAG under license through the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB). It is also one of the primary mounted weapons across various mobility and attack transport platforms of Indian armed forces. The inflatable mobility rafts and boats of MARCOS and GARUD are fitted with OFB-made FN MAGs. It is the primary 7.62 gun for the Arjun Mk1 Main Battle Tanks and the NAG Missile Carrier platform. Other than these, the Mahindra Rakshak light utility vehicles, Ashok Leyland Super Stallion and the armoured Stallion Kavachs use the mounted FN MAG for both offense and defence.
Also Read, Water Cannons: More Lethal Than You Think!
#1. IWI Negev (1050 Rounds per Minute)
From a staple of Israeli Defence Forces to the hands of Indian Armed Forces, this light machine gun developed by Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has been one of the best serving and capable LMGs of our arsenal. It is a select fire, rotating bolt long-stroke gas piston system operated LMG having a maximum firing range of 1200m. It originally came in NATO 5.56x45mm cartridges which was being used by India from a long time but also went forward with the acquisition of 16497 more units of the newer 7.62x51mm NATO variants. The 5.56 variant is called the NG-5 and the 7.62 came to known as the NG-7.
This gun comes with a chrome lined hammer forged barrel fitted with a slotted flash suppressor along with ambidextrous carrying options. The NG-5 is fed with 150-200 round M27 ammunition belts and the NG-7 is fed with 100-125 rounds M13 ammunition belts. By default it comes with close-type iron sights and tritium radio-luminescence sights for night time operations. While Israel being the host of this gun has all types of variants throughout history for the Negev, many of them have different types of limitations in customization. But India possessing only the NG-5 and the NG-7 models don’t suffer from and are also equipped with Picatinny rails for attachments, which the other variants don’t have.
The Negev is the fastest weapon for India’s infantry as the 7.62mm NG7 has a maximum rate of fire of 750 rounds per minute and the 5.56mm NG5 has an astonishing 1050 rounds per minute. It is one of the most celebrated LMGs with stellar combat experience having able to serve 23 countries and wars like the War in Afghanistan, Lebanon and Gaza conflicts, 2021-ongoing Russia-Ukraine War and the Israel-Hamas ongoing conflicts. As the replacement of the INSAS LMG, the NG-5 and NG-7 are doing pretty decent jobs despite a shift from indigenization. Indian Army’s frontline troops and infantry battalions had been using this LMG for several years followed by the integration in the integration in the Para SF and National Security Guard (NSG).
