Upgrading India’s Artillery: Faster, Stronger, Smarter || Defence Mantra

India is making significant strides in modernising its artillery capabilities, aiming for enhanced firepower, precision, and self-reliance. This week's Defence Mantra delves into this critical topic.

From being outgunned by Pakistan in the 1965 and 1971 wars to developing indigenous systems like the 105mm Indian Field Gun and inducting the Bofors FH-77B, the Indian Army has come a long way. The 1999 Kargil War highlighted the importance of advanced artillery, leading to the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan—India’s ambitious roadmap to replace outdated systems with cutting-edge 155mm guns.

A landmark development in this journey is the recent signing of contracts worth ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 327 high-mobility 6x6 gun towing vehicles.

This procurement aligns with India's Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, which aims to equip the Army with approximately 3,000 modern artillery pieces across various categories. The induction of ATAGS and the accompanying high-mobility vehicles marks a pivotal step in replacing vintage artillery systems with state-of-the-art equipment, thereby bolstering operational readiness and effectiveness.

The ATAGS, developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private industry partners, is a 155mm/52 caliber towed artillery system. It boasts an impressive firing range of over 48 kilometers, advanced targeting systems, and the capability to fire various types of ammunition, including precision-guided munitions. These features significantly enhance the Indian Army's long-range artillery capabilities, providing a strategic edge in modern warfare.

Beyond hardware acquisition, India is investing in advanced technologies such as guided 155mm shells and ramjet-powered artillery rounds capable of striking targets up to 80 kilometres away. The integration of drones for surveillance and target acquisition further complements these advancements, ensuring that the artillery units are equipped for precision engagement in diverse terrains.

As India continues to prioritise indigenous defence manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative, these developments underscore a commitment to self-reliance and a robust defence posture. How will these advancements influence India's strategic capabilities and regional security dynamics? Join us as Nitin A Gokhakle and Neelanjana Banerjee delve into the transformative journey of India's artillery modernisation.

Beyond guns, India is also focusing on precision-guided artillery. Work is underway to develop guided 155mm shells and ramjet-powered artillery rounds with an 80 km range, ensuring greater accuracy and destructive power. The integration of drones for surveillance and target acquisition will further enhance strike capabilities, making Indian artillery more lethal and effective.

As India strengthens its indigenous defence manufacturing and reduces dependence on imports, its artillery modernisation drive is a critical step towards self-reliance and regional military power.

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