| Publication |
2014.
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| Summary/Abstract |
The dismal scenario regarding procurement of artillery guns across various calibres is likely to finally come to an end if the matter is taken up seriously by the new powers that be. If procurements are fast tracked, then it is still a possibility that induction of long range guns and rockets as per the roadmap for Artillery Profile 2027, can be achieved. This would be quite an achievement as trials for 155 mm artillery guns required by the Indian Army began in 2002.
The proposal for the induction of five main types of heavy calibre artillery guns has been stalled for some time now. The Indian Army requires 155mm/52 calibre artillery guns in the following categories: towed gun system, wheeled and tracked self-propelled system and Mounted Gun System (MGS). Of crucial importance in high-altitude areas is the requirement for 145 BAE systems M777 155mm/39 Calibre Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH), to be acquired through the foreign military sale route from the US. Of these, the M777 is likely to go through first.
Also, to be acquired were indigenously developed systems like the Dhanush 155/45 mm calibre gun and upgraded 130 mm guns. As of 2012, nine regiments had already been equipped with upgraded 130 mm guns. The Ordinance Factory Board (OFB) continues to develop and test the Dhanush 155/45 mm calibre gun. So far, 114 pieces are on order and deliveries for the Dhanush are expected to be completed in the 2018-2020 timeframe. The Request For Proposal (RFP) for upgradation of existing 155 mm/39 calibre FH 77B Bofors to 155 mm/45 Calibre Gun was issued in August 2008.
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