Guest Column | More Power to Fire

Lt Gen. B.S. Pawar (retd)

After nearly two decades of stagnation in its modernisation and transformation plans, the prospects for the induction of approximately 3,000 modern artillery howitzers of the 155mm/52 calibre finally look bright.

The success of the indigenously developed 155mm 45 calibre Dhanush gun (upgraded version of the Bofors), the induction of the first six 155mm 39 calibre M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH) out of the 145 contracted for and the commencement of induction of the first self-propelled (SP) tracked 155mm 52 calibre howitzer (K9 VAJRA-T) are positive developments indeed.

Their formal induction was done in a grand ceremony held at Devlali, the heart of the Regiment of Artillery, on 9 November 2018 in the presence of the defence minister and the Chief of Army Staff. Also showcased on this occasion was the new state-of-the-art indigenously produced 6x6 Field Artillery Tractor (FAT), which is an integral part of the towed artillery systems.

The showcasing of the indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) during Republic Day parade last year and recent reports of its achieving 40km plus ranges during firing, are indeed encouraging signs and augur well for the artillery modernisation process — their winter trials are scheduled this year. There has also been significant progress in the artillery’s surveillance, target acquisition and retaliatory capabilities along with great strides being made in the field of rockets and missiles.

However, a major concern remains the sordid state of ammunition, both in quantity and quality, which is the main weapon of the Gunners without which even the most advanced gun systems would remain mere showpieces — this aspect was amply highlighted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report released last year. The recent decision of the government to partially open this sector to the private industry is a step in the right direction and needs to be pursued on priority.

Future Artillery Modernisation Plan

The artillery’s transformation plan with the basic aim to modernise the artillery and go for a standard gun system of 155mm calibre was evolved in 1999-2000. The plan included the purchase and manufacture of towed, mounted and ultra-light howitzers, including self-propelled (both tracked and wheeled), multi-barrel rocket systems, missiles, surveillance and counter bombardment equipment and UAVs. The main highlight of this plan was the inclusion of the mounted gun system and wheeled self-propelled artillery platforms. The mounted gun system provides a high level of autonomy with a shoot and scoot capability and has a distinct advantage in the mountains due to its shorter turning radius compared to the towed gun.

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The wheeled self-propelled gun though is ideally suited for the plains and the semi desert terrain vis-a-vis the tracked version, providing better speed and mobility at lesser costs – however, this project has now been shelved and is not expected to be revived in the future. While the transformation related to rocket artillery (Smerch & Pinaka), missiles (Prithvi, Agni and BRAHMOS) and surveillance equipment (UAVs and Weapon Locating Radar) is progressing satisfactorily, the area of concern remains the induction of roughly 2820 guns/ howitzers of all types, despite some significant movement forward as brought out earlier. It is heartening to note though that six additional Pinaka MBRL units and one additional Smerch MBRL unit have been approved for induction by the government.

Current Status & Developments

The Dhanush gun being produced by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has undergone extensive user exploitation trials in the desert and