SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army, one of the largest standing armies in the world, has embarked on a significant modernization drive to replace its ageing fleet of artillery guns. Among the most notable systems to be phased out are the Bofors FH77 guns, which have been in service since the early 1980s. Around 200 Swedish-origin guns, originally procured as part of a larger order of over 400 units, are still operational.
However, with the rapid advancements in artillery technology and the challenges posed by outdated systems, the Army plans to retire the Bofors FH77 by 2030 onwards, making way for more advanced and capable 155mm guns like the indigenous Dhanush and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS).
The Bofors FH77, a 155mm/39 calibre towed howitzer, was acquired by India in the early 1980s under a controversial deal that became a political flashpoint in the country. Despite the controversy, the gun proved its mettle on the battlefield, most notably during the Kargil War of 1999. Its ability to deliver precise and devastating firepower at high altitudes played a pivotal role in India’s victory, cementing its status as an iconic weapon in the Indian Army’s arsenal.
Over the years, however, the Bofors guns have faced significant challenges. Of the over 400 units initially procured, less than half remain in active service today. Many have been decommissioned due to a shortage of spare parts, breakdowns, and the natural wear and tear expected from four decades of operational use. While the gun’s performance in combat has been commendable, its ageing technology and the difficulty in maintaining the fleet have made its replacement inevitable.
The Indian Army has already begun transitioning to more advanced artillery systems to meet the demands of modern warfare. The Dhanush, a 155mm/45 calibre towed artillery gun developed by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) with inputs from the Bofors design, has been in production for some time now. Often referred to as the successor to the Bofors FH77, the Dhanush incorporates several improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced range, accuracy, and reliability. The Army has already inducted several Dhanush guns and plans to procure more in the coming years to bolster its artillery firepower.
In addition to the Dhanush, the Indian Army is also looking towards the future with the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a state-of-the-art 155mm/52 calibre gun developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private sector players like Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge. The ATAGS has demonstrated exceptional performance during trials, boasting a range of over 48 km and advanced automation features that make it one of the most advanced towed artillery systems in the world. The Army has ambitious plans to induct around 1,500 units of the ATAGS in the coming years, further strengthening its artillery capabilities.
The phase-out of the Bofors FH77 will be carried out gradually and systematically, based on a detailed technical assessment of each gun’s condition. While the Army aims to retire most of the remaining units by 2030, some may continue to serve until the mid-2030s, depending on the pace of induction of the Dhanush and ATAGS systems. This staggered approach ensures that there is no gap in the Army’s artillery capabilities during the transition period.
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