SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities with the planned upgrade of 145 M777 155mm Light-Weight Towed Howitzers. This upgrade will involve replacing the current 155mm 39 caliber barrels with longer 155mm 52 caliber barrels.
The move is expected to provide the Indian Army with a significant boost in firepower and range. The longer barrels will allow the M777s to fire shells over greater distances, making them more effective in counter-battery fire and deep strike operations.
The upgrade will also enhance the M777s’ precision and accuracy. The longer barrels will enable the howitzers to deliver munitions more precisely onto targets, improving their effectiveness in both offensive and defensive operations.
The Indian Army has been exploring options to upgrade its M777 fleet for some time. The decision to proceed with the 155mm 52 caliber upgrade is a testament to the howitzer’s performance and its continued relevance to the Indian Army’s modernization efforts.
The upgrade is expected to take several years to complete and will require substantial investment. However, the benefits in terms of increased firepower and range are expected to outweigh the costs.