Indian Army’s Enhanced Firepower: Plans Underway for New Howitzers and Advanced Artillery Arsenal
Image Source: The Financial Express
The Indian Army is set to reinforce its combat capabilities with a comprehensive plan to procure advanced artillery, aiming to fortify mobile firepower along the high-altitude border regions, including the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Sources within the Defence Ministry have revealed that a tender worth over Rs 3,000 crores will soon be issued to acquire approximately 200 new mounted howitzers equipped with 105mm field guns. These indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured (IDDM) mounted howitzers will significantly bolster India’s military strength in crucial border areas.
The forthcoming tender for the mounted howitzers is part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, signaling a move to stimulate indigenous defense manufacturing. In addition, the Defense Ministry is anticipated to grant approval for the acquisition of 400 new Towed Artillery Gun Systems (TAGS) in an upcoming defense acquisition council meeting. This progression marks a significant step forward in modernizing the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities.
Over the past decade, the Indian Army has inked four contracts for the procurement of state-of-the-art 155mm howitzers. These advanced artillery systems, namely Dhanush, Sharang, Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH), and K-9 Vajra Self Propelled Guns, have already been successfully integrated, with several regiments equipped with these cutting-edge weapons.
The Dhanush Guns, an electronic upgrade of the famed Bofors Guns, and the up-gunned Sharang Guns, escalated from 130mm to 155mm caliber, represent remarkable advancements in artillery technology. Noteworthy progress has also been made with the induction of Self-Propelled guns, with seven and five regiments already operational with these systems.
A strategic shift toward standardizing artillery guns at 155mm, coupled with automated systems and assemblies, underscores the Army’s future artillery development plans. The focus remains steadfast on pioneering advancements in sighting systems, ammunition manufacturing, metallurgy, and gun networking, ensuring a robust and contemporary artillery arsenal to safeguard the nation’s defense interests.
The impending acquisition of mounted howitzers and the proposed induction of additional artillery assets underscore India’s commitment to fortifying its defense capabilities while promoting self-reliance in the defense sector. These developments align with the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision, aiming to bolster indigenous manufacturing capabilities and enhance national security.
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