SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Repeated delays and technical issues with the Dhanush 155mm X 45 Calibre Gun have put the Indian Army in a challenging position, prompting a review of its procurement plans. Initially intended to replace ageing Bofors guns in the Army’s artillery regiments, the Dhanush system—developed by the Ordnance Factories Board (OFB) in collaboration with the Indian Army—has struggled with consistent delivery timelines, adding pressure to an already stretched artillery modernization program.
In 2019, the Army placed an order for 114 Dhanush guns, after the system received bulk production clearance in February of that year. The delivery schedule aimed to complete the order by 2022, but as of now, it is anticipated that the Army won’t receive all the guns until mid-2026, and further delays are still possible. These setbacks have led the Army to reconsider its plan to procure more units of the Dhanush gun.
The Army’s initial plan involved acquiring 400 Dhanush guns to replace the Bofors that were inducted in the early 1980s. Of the 400 Bofors guns originally in service, only around 100+ are still operational due to wear and tear from over three decades of service. The Dhanush was seen as a modernized successor to the Bofors, incorporating advanced fire control systems and improved range. However, production hurdles and earlier technical glitches have caused scepticism about its long-term viability.
While the Army has resumed receiving the guns in recent months, the delays and quality concerns have opened up discussions about alternatives. The Towed Gun System (TGS) program, which aims to develop a more advanced 155mm X 52 calibre gun, is now being closely examined as a possible replacement. The Army has yet to make a final decision on a follow-up order for the Dhanush, waiting to see if the TGS program offers a more reliable and capable solution for its artillery modernization needs in a shorter time frame.
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.