SOURCE: IDRW.ORG.
The Indian Army has recently decided to drop plans for procuring more ultra-light howitzers (ULHs) like the M777 or any local offerings from the Towed Gun System (TGS), instead opting to focus on the acquisition of 155/52 calibre artillery guns. This strategic shift stems from several factors, including the Army’s evolving requirements for firepower and the operational advantages offered by the larger 155/52 calibre guns over the smaller 155/39 calibre systems.
The 155/52 caliber guns are increasingly seen as the preferred choice for the Indian Army’s artillery modernization. These guns, capable of firing extended-range ammunition, have significant advantages over smaller caliber systems such as the 155/39 caliber guns, which are typically used for shorter-range engagements.
The larger 52-caliber barrel allows for enhanced performance, including:
- Longer Range: The 155/52 guns can deliver shells at distances of up to 48 kilometers with the latest ammunition, far surpassing the range of the 155/39 caliber systems, which have a maximum range of 30-40 kilometers depending on the type of shell used.
- Higher Accuracy and Lethality: The 155/52 caliber guns have a more accurate trajectory, making them effective in a wider range of combat situations.
- Enhanced Firepower: The increased caliber size allows for the use of more advanced ammunition, including extended-range artillery projectiles, which increase the versatility of the artillery systems on the battlefield.
The decision to drop the M777 and other local ultra-light howitzer options stems from several considerations that impact the Indian Army’s long-term artillery strategy The procurement of ULHs was seen as potentially conflicting with the Army’s focus on enhancing the TGS (Towed Gun System) capabilities, especially with the larger 155/52 calibre systems. By removing ULHs from the procurement plan, the Army ensures that there is no disruption or competition for resources within the artillery procurement pipeline.
The primary advantage of the 155/52 caliber guns over ULHs like the M777 lies in their superior firepower. The 155/39 caliber guns, which were being considered for high-altitude deployments, simply cannot match the capabilities of the 155/52 systems, especially when it comes to range and lethality. In many combat scenarios, the longer-range firepower provided by the 155/52 caliber systems is essential for providing effective support, even in challenging terrains.
The 155/39 caliber guns, while effective in certain contexts, present limitations when it comes to high-altitude operations, especially in mountainous regions like the Himalayas or the Ladakh sector. The 155/39 caliber guns typically have a lower range compared to the 155/52 guns. In high-mountain regions, where engagement distances can be longer due to the terrain, the limited range of the 155/39 systems reduces their effectiveness in countering distant targets, which is crucial in mountainous warfare.
The 155/39 guns are not as versatile when it comes to accommodating the full range of advanced munitions, such as extended-range artillery shells. These specialized rounds are essential for mountainous and rugged terrains, where long-range precision fire is often required to hit targets that are beyond direct line-of-sight.
In rugged terrains, where artillery is often deployed at a distance from the frontlines, the increased range and higher accuracy of 155/52 caliber guns enable them to strike with precision even from behind cover. The 155/39 caliber systems, on the other hand, fall short when it comes to achieving the same level of effectiveness, particularly in complex, high-altitude environments.
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