SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Army is set to procure around 800 Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), reinforcing its artillery capabilities with high-mobility, self-propelled howitzers. These MGS units are specifically designed for enhanced battlefield mobility and firepower, crucial for modern warfare. The Army’s move to integrate these systems is partly driven by the changing dynamics of warfare, particularly in the aftermath of the Ukraine-Russia war, where traditional towed artillery has been vulnerable to drone attacks.
Despite these advancements, the Indian Army’s artillery modernization strategy remains multifaceted, as it continues to pursue both Mounted Gun Systems and Towed Gun Systems (TGS). The Army is working on procuring 1400 TGS units in multiple phases, underlining the continued relevance of towed artillery for specific operational needs.
One of the primary drivers behind the Indian Army’s decision to procure 800 MGS units is the increasing threat posed by drones on the battlefield. During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, towed howitzers have been highly susceptible to drone strikes. These systems, often stationary and slower to reposition, make easy targets for enemy reconnaissance and targeting drones.
In contrast, Mounted Gun Systems, with their self-propelled nature, provide superior mobility, enabling shoot-and-scoot tactics. This allows artillery units to fire and quickly reposition, minimizing their exposure to counterattacks and increasing their survivability in rapidly changing combat scenarios. The high mobility of MGS gives the Indian Army an edge, particularly in countering the evolving threat of drones, which are being used extensively by adversaries to target static and vulnerable artillery positions.
While MGS provides several advantages in low to mid-altitude operations, the Army faces limitations when deploying these systems in high-altitude terrains such as the Himalayan borders. The 25-ton weight of the MGS presents a significant challenge in such regions, where terrain and weather conditions can complicate the movement of heavy equipment.
In high-altitude areas, the logistical constraints, combined with the difficulties in maneuvering large and heavy vehicles over rugged and narrow passes, can severely limit the utility of MGS. These terrain restrictions reduce the effectiveness of the shoot-and-scoot tactic, as the system may struggle to find stable, accessible firing positions.
In contrast, lighter towed howitzers offer greater flexibility and can be moved with greater ease in mountainous terrains, despite the vulnerability they face from drones. While MGS provides better firepower and mobility in plains and mixed terrains, its application in high-altitude areas remains constrained by its size and weight.
Despite the Army’s investment in Mounted Gun Systems, the need for towed artillery remains an essential component of India’s artillery modernization efforts. The TGS procurement program, which plans for 1400 units, is set to equip the Army with a versatile range of artillery options that complement the MGS capabilities.
Towed howitzers are seen as more suitable for certain operational environments, particularly in high-altitude and difficult terrains, where the mobility of heavier MGS units might be restricted. Moreover, the lower cost and simpler logistics associated with towed artillery systems continue to make them a valuable asset in the Indian Army’s overall firepower strategy.
The Indian Army’s dual approach in procuring both Mounted Gun Systems and Towed Gun Systems ensures that it has the flexibility to respond to a wide range of battlefield scenarios. The MGS will provide high-mobility fire support in plains, deserts, and semi-urban environments, while Towed Gun Systems will continue to play a crucial role in mountainous and high-altitude areas.
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