Zen Technologies has got an arms licence from the government to manufacture specific calibres of ammunition used for rapid fire and in machine guns, with applicability in air defence, naval operations and counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) roles.
The licence, under the Arms Act, 1959, authorises the Company to manufacture 12.7mm, 23mm, 30mm, and 40mm cannons, Zen Technologies said in a statement to media on Friday.
These rapid-fire cannons serve as highly effective last-layer defence solutions against drones, loitering munitions, and low-flying aerial threats, said the company.
“Additionally, when integrated with advanced fire-control systems, radar, electro- optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and programmable ammunition, these systems provide highly responsive, accurate, and cost-effective protection for strategic assets, armoured formations, border areas, and critical infrastructure,” read the statement.
This marks a decisive step forward in advancing India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem under the IDDM framework. Against the backdrop of ongoing global conflicts, where drones, loitering munitions, and asymmetric aerial threats are increasingly prevalent, these systems equip Zen Technologies to address emerging battlefield challenges with India- centric, cost-effective air defence solutions.
Earlier, one of the start-ups -- Sagar Defence Engineering -- had got industrial explosive license under the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1951, for manufacturing among others drone integrated munition.
Published on April 17, 2026