Russia's Kalashnikov products draw interest from India’s top protection unit

India's elite Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for safeguarding senior government officials, including ministers and the prime minister, has expressed interest in products showcased by Russia's Kalashnikov Concern at the India Homeland Security Expo in New Delhi.

SPG officer Chintiyanlal Simte told TASS that the agency is closely examining a range of Kalashnikov's offerings presented at the exhibition.

“We are studying Kalashnikov's products. The characteristics of these weapons are excellent. It is very important for us to see new developments. We are particularly interested in rifles and unmanned aerial systems,” Simte said.

He added that the Indian side is also paying close attention to technologies designed to counter drone threats.

“We are interested in anti-drone munitions,” the SPG officer noted.

Simte also spoke positively about the equipment and tactical gear displayed by the Russian defence manufacturer.

“This clothing is well suited to Indian weather and conditions. It is very good equipment and quite interesting,” he said.

Kalashnikov is participating for the first time in the 10th India Homeland Security Expo, a specialized exhibition dedicated to small arms, counterterrorism technologies, advanced military systems, and electronic protection solutions, currently underway in New Delhi.

A key component of the Russian exhibit is its lineup of unmanned aerial systems. Alongside the compact Karakurt and Goliath copters, Kalashnikov is showcasing the SKAT 350 M, an all-weather high-altitude reconnaissance drone marketed in India under the name Garuda.

The company noted that during trials in the Himalayas, the SKAT 350 M achieved a class-record operational altitude of 9,500 metres, underlining its capabilities in challenging environments.

By Vafa Guliyeva