SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
At Aero India 2025, held in Bengaluru, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) stole the spotlight with the unveiling of a new 155mm ramjet-powered artillery projectile, a cutting-edge addition to India’s artillery arsenal. Designed to achieve ranges exceeding 50-60 kilometers, this innovative munition promises to blend advanced technology with affordability, positioning it as an attractive option for both local production and the global export market. Speaking to idrw.org, a DRDO official shed light on the projectile’s potential, its cost dynamics, and the road ahead, signaling India’s intent to redefine artillery warfare.
The DRDO’s 155mm ramjet projectile leverages ramjet propulsion—a technology typically seen in missiles—to significantly extend the range of conventional artillery. Unlike standard 155mm shells, which rely solely on the initial muzzle velocity from the gun barrel (typically achieving 20-40 km with base-bleed or rocket-assisted designs), the ramjet version uses an air-breathing engine that activates mid-flight. By drawing in atmospheric oxygen to sustain combustion, the ramjet boosts the projectile’s velocity and range, surpassing competitors like the U.S. M549 RAP (30 km) and even matching or exceeding advanced shells currently under development globally.
People familiar with the program, as cited by idrw.org, estimate the projectile’s range at 50-60 km, with potential for further enhancement as the design matures. This capability would allow Indian artillery units—equipped with systems like the ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) or the Dhanush—to strike deep behind enemy lines, targeting command posts, logistics hubs, or fortified positions with unprecedented reach.
One of the standout features of DRDO’s ramjet projectile is its projected cost-effectiveness. A DRDO official told idrw.org that while the shell is “significantly more expensive” than a standard 155mm artillery round (which costs around 40,000-50,000 or $500-600), its International competitors have put a price tag of approximately $100,000 (83 lakh) per round, when it enters production but now its costs around upwards of $500,000 (4 Cr) per unit.
The DRDO official emphasized that India’s ramjet projectile will be “nearly five times less expensive” than comparable international offerings, a feat attributed to indigenous design, local manufacturing, and economies of scale once production ramps up. “Initial costs might be higher as we refine the technology, but once cleared for production, it will be cheaper than anything on offer or in development globally,” the official noted. At 20-25 lakh ($22,000-28000), the shell undercuts competitors while delivering similar or superior performance, making it a compelling option for the Indian Army and export customers.
The 155mm ramjet projectile is still in its developmental phase, with significant progress made over the last few years. However, the DRDO official cautioned that trials are “still a few years away” before the system is cleared for production. Current efforts focus on refining the ramjet engine’s integration into the 155mm shell, ensuring structural integrity under high-speed flight, and validating its performance across diverse environmental conditions. “More trials are planned before a fully developed prototype begins testing,” the official told idrw.org, indicating a roadmap that could see operational deployment by the late 2020s or early 2030s.
Challenges remain. Ramjet propulsion demands advanced materials to withstand extreme heat and pressure, alongside precise engineering to maintain stability over extended ranges. Early prototypes must also prove compatibility with existing 155mm howitzers like the ATAGS, which DRDO co-developed with private partners Tata and Bharat Forge. Initial production costs may exceed the $100,000 target, but the official expressed confidence that serial production—potentially at facilities like the Ordnance Factory Board or private sector plants—would drive costs down.
NOTE: Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.