Indian Army’s ₹7,000 Crore Push for Powerful and Lighter Artillery
The Indian Army has embarked on a landmark acquisition journey to secure a new generation of artillery guns aimed at reinforcing its firepower and agility across diverse terrains. At the heart of this project, valued at around ₹7,000 crore, lies a clear mandate: to acquire 400 state-of-the-art howitzers that not only enhance range and accuracy but also align with India's “Make in India” initiative by sourcing them domestically.
Strengthening India’s Artillery with Indigenous Tech
The tender calls for the procurement of advanced 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery gun systems (TAGS) built under the Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category. These howitzers are set to replace older, less potent 105mm field guns that, though lightweight, lack the enhanced range and firepower needed in modern combat.
The move to 155mm calibre offers a standardization that boosts lethality, accuracy, and flexibility for the Army. The shift to a larger calibre, combined with a weight limit of 15,000 kg, makes these artillery pieces lighter and more suitable for rapid deployment, especially in challenging, high-altitude areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Key Features and Technological Advancements
The Army’s new artillery systems promise an impressive firing range of up to 40 km, making them capable of reaching distant targets with enhanced precision. Advanced technological integrations include automated sighting and ammunition handling, a first for many artillery systems within the Indian Army, which will help reduce response times and improve accuracy. This shift towards automated systems enables these howitzers to be operated with a higher level of efficiency, allowing troops to quickly adapt to dynamic combat situations.
The Army has placed a high priority on mobility, given the variable terrain of the Indian border regions. The emphasis on a lighter, more adaptable artillery system is a strategic move to ensure easy transport and faster deployment.
Diverse Ammunition Types for Varied Combat Scenarios
The new howitzers are designed to handle an array of specialized ammunition types, providing the Army with increased versatility on the battlefield.
High Explosive (HE) Shells: These include standard HE shells for fragmentation effects against personnel and light fortifications. Extended Range HE shells, equipped with Base Bleed (BB) technology, are another addition, enhancing range without compromising on blast impact.
Terminally Guided Munitions (TGM): Featuring precision guidance systems, these shells can hit targets with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of approximately 10 meters. This precision allows for effective targeting even in complex terrain, crucial for India’s diverse geographical challenges.
Smart Artillery Shells: In collaboration with IIT-Madras, these shells are being designed with advanced navigation systems leveraging India’s NavIC satellite constellation. Capable of multiple detonation modes, they offer significantly improved targeting accuracy and can adapt to various combat situations.
Smoke and Illumination Rounds: Smoke rounds generate multispectral cover, masking troop movements and hindering enemy visibility. Illumination rounds provide light in dark or low-visibility conditions, facilitating night-time operations.
Anti-Structure Ammunition: Specialized HE shells designed for penetration allow these guns to dismantle fortified structures, an advantage in scenarios requiring significant firepower against strongholds.
Indian Defence Industry Set to Compete for the Contract
Several prominent Indian defence firms are expected to participate in this bid, including Bharat Forge, Larsen & Toubro, Adani Defence & Aerospace, and the Ordnance Factory Board. Each of these companies has prior experience in artillery projects, positioning them well to fulfill the Army’s requirements for cutting-edge, indigenously produced artillery systems. This contract, however, goes beyond mere production; it is also a strategic step toward enhancing the technological capabilities and self-reliance of India’s defence industry.
Strategic and Operational Advantages
The new artillery systems will be a key upgrade for the Indian Army, especially in high-altitude and challenging terrains. The lighter, more powerful howitzers enable swift positioning and quicker strikes, a necessity along the LAC where rapid response is vital. The new systems’ extended range and diverse ammunition options further ensure that they are not only effective against ground targets but also flexible enough for multi-dimensional combat scenarios, including area denial and target illumination.
A Major Step Towards Self-Reliance in Defence
This artillery procurement drive underlines the Indian Army’s commitment to indigenization and strengthening domestic defence capabilities. By investing in advanced, locally-produced howitzers, the Army not only secures essential technology but also supports India’s defence ecosystem, propelling economic growth and technological advancement. This move is part of a broader plan aimed at achieving full operational modernization by 2042, laying a strong foundation for India’s long-term defence strategy.
With enhanced firepower, range, and precision, these advanced artillery systems will bolster the Indian Army’s strategic edge, especially in border regions where tensions are high. The modernization of the Army’s artillery systems thus marks a significant leap towards a stronger, self-reliant India, aligning national security interests with economic and technological growth.
