The Indian Army’s Para Special Forces have reportedly begun evaluating the indigenous G72 9×19 mm submachine gun, developed by Bengaluru-based SSS Defence, bringing another Indian-designed small-arms platform into the specialised military evaluation process.
Reports published on 26 September 2026 indicate that the G72 SMG is undergoing trials for potential use in specialised operations. The evaluation is reported to involve parameters such as reliability, accuracy, weapon handling, durability and suitability for close-quarter operational environments.
The reported trials have not yet been formally announced by the Indian Army, Ministry of Defence or SSS Defence. They should therefore be viewed as an ongoing evaluation rather than confirmation of procurement or induction.
G72 Built for Close-Quarter Operations
The G72 is an indigenous modular submachine gun chambered for the widely used 9×19 mm cartridge. The Department of Defence Production describes the weapon as being intended for special forces, Army elements and law-enforcement personnel, with applications ranging from tactical operations to VIP protection and close-quarter battle, or CQB.
At the heart of the G72 is a delayed roller blowback operating system, a mechanism designed to provide reliable cycling while improving control during automatic fire. The weapon supports safe, semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes and has an officially listed cyclic rate of approximately 950 rounds per minute.
The standard magazine holds 30 rounds.
Its compact configuration is particularly relevant for forces operating inside buildings, vehicles and other confined environments where a full-sized assault rifle can become cumbersome.
Compact Design With Modular Configuration
SSS Defence designed the G72 around a modular architecture that allows the weapon to be configured according to mission requirements. The manufacturer offers different barrel configurations, while the weapon incorporates a side-folding stock that substantially reduces its overall length when carried or operated in restricted spaces.
According to the Department of Defence Production, the listed configuration weighs approximately 2.5 kg. It measures about 360 mm with the stock folded and approximately 578 mm with the stock extended.
The weapon uses a combination of aerospace-grade aluminium and high-strength steel alloys, providing a balance between durability and reduced weight.
A free-floating handguard assists heat dissipation, while integrated mounting interfaces allow operators to configure the G72 with mission-specific equipment.
Designed for Modern Sights, Lasers and Suppressors
Modern special operations weapons increasingly function as platforms around which optics, illumination systems and other accessories are configured.
The G72 incorporates integral rails as well as M-LOK mounting interfaces, enabling the installation of optical sights, laser aiming modules, foregrips and other equipment.
Its threaded muzzle also permits the attachment of a sound suppressor, an important capability for specialised units conducting operations in which reducing muzzle signature may be advantageous.
The weapon additionally includes integral backup sights and ambidextrous controls, allowing it to be operated more easily by both right- and left-handed personnel.
G72 Already Has Government Users
Although the reported Para SF evaluation represents a potentially important military development for the G72, the weapon has already moved beyond the prototype stage.
The Department of Defence Production, under the Ministry of Defence, officially lists substantial orders and deployments for the indigenous SMG.
Its product database records 3,272 G72 weapons for the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, 500 for the National Security Guard and 444 for Punjab.
These figures establish that the G72 has already secured significant government demand before the latest reports concerning the Indian Army’s Para Special Forces.
The NSG order is particularly significant because the force conducts counter-terrorism, hostage-rescue and other specialised operations where compact automatic weapons are particularly relevant.
An Indigenous Indian Small-Arms Platform
SSS Defence has emerged as one of India’s private-sector companies developing complete small-arms systems rather than limiting domestic manufacturing to licensed production of foreign designs.
The G72 forms part of a broader indigenous weapons portfolio developed by the Bengaluru company covering submachine guns, assault weapons, sniper rifles and associated systems.
The G72’s appearance in the Department of Defence Production database also provides official recognition of the weapon as an Indian defence product and documents its growing domestic user base.
Its development comes as India seeks to expand indigenous capability in a segment historically characterised by multiple imported small arms and ammunition standards.
Para SF Trials Would Represent a New Stage
Reports of Para SF trials of the G72 first began circulating during September 2026, before more detailed reports appeared on 26 September.
Special Forces evaluation would expose the weapon to requirements that can differ considerably from those of conventional police users. Compactness, reliability, controllability during rapid fire, compatibility with suppressors and optical systems, ease of maintenance and performance under demanding environmental conditions can all become important during such assessments.
A successful trial, however, does not automatically translate into a procurement contract.
The Army can evaluate multiple weapons before determining whether a particular system satisfies its operational and technical requirements. No publicly available official document presently confirms that the Indian Army has placed an order for the G72.
G72 Adds to India’s Expanding Indigenous Small-Arms Ecosystem
The reported Para SF trials nevertheless represent another indication of the widening operational exposure being achieved by Indian-designed small arms.
With confirmed orders from the NSG, Uttar Pradesh STF and Punjab, the G72 has already established a government-user base. Evaluation by an Indian Army Special Forces formation would take the platform into another demanding operational environment and provide further feedback on its suitability for military close-quarter applications.
References
Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence — SSS Defence G-72, product specifications, description and deployment/order details; last updated 10 September 2026
https://www.ddpmod.gov.in/hi/node/7451
Maverick News30 — Para SF Trials Indigenous G72 9×19mm Submachine Gun for Specialised Operations, 26 September 2026
https://www.mavericknews30.com/story/para-sf-trials-indigenous-g72-9-19mm-submachine-gun-for-specialised-operations/
Defence Line — Close-Quarters Power: Para SF Trials SSS Defence’s G72 9mm Submachine Gun, 26 September 2026
https://defenceline.in/
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