SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army is poised for a significant transformation in its artillery capabilities, spearheaded by Lt. Gen. Adosh Kumar, the Director General of Artillery. According to the General, the Indian Army is setting a target for the year 2042 to standardize its artillery systems to the 155mm calibre completely. This move will mark a shift away from the 105mm guns that have served the force for decades with over 2000 units still in service aligning with global artillery trends to enhance firepower, range, and overall battlefield effectiveness.
Lt. Gen. Kumar’s vision for the artillery branch reflects the Army’s commitment to modernizing its firepower to meet future combat requirements. The gradual phasing out of 105mm artillery systems will make way for more powerful and technologically advanced 155mm guns, which offer superior range and lethality. This transition will be part of a broader effort to streamline and optimize artillery firepower across all Indian Army regiments.
The key elements of this transformation will include the induction of various indigenous and advanced 155mm artillery systems, which are already under development or entering service:
Towed Gun Systems (TGS):
The TGS program aims to equip the Indian Army with modern, long-range towed artillery systems. The Indian Army plans to acquire up to 1,200 TGSs, with an initial order for 400 units. These guns designed to be mobile, rugged, and highly effective in a range of terrains will form the bulk of 155mm artillery systems. the offering a significant upgrade in firepower over the aging Bofors systems. The TGS will weigh less than 15 tons, allowing for greater operational flexibility and deployment in a variety of terrains.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS):
ATAGS, an ambitious indigenous project developed by DRDO in collaboration with Indian firms, will play a pivotal role in the future artillery framework. Featuring a 155mm/52 caliber barrel, ATAGS has already demonstrated exceptional range and firepower during trials, and will be a critical asset in the Army’s artillery modernization. The Indian Army has issued a tender for 307 ATAGS. The Acquisition Council (DAC) has already accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement.
Dhanush:
A 155mm gun based on the Bofors howitzer, the Dhanush is another vital part of India’s artillery future. Designed for high accuracy and long-range firing, Dhanush has been successfully inducted into the Army and will form a core component of the artillery regiments in the coming years. The Indian Army plans to induct 114 Dhanush guns by 2026. The first regiment of 18 guns is operational near the Line of Actual Control (LAC
Mounted Gun System (MGS):
The MGS is intended to provide a highly mobile artillery platform, with a 155mm gun mounted on a wheeled chassis. The mobility and versatility of the MGS will be invaluable for rapid deployment and fire support in various operational environments.
By unifying the caliber of its artillery regiments to 155mm, the Indian Army aims to simplify logistics, enhance firepower, and increase its operational flexibility. The shift will enable better standardization of ammunition and spare parts, and provide enhanced range and precision in fire support operations. Moreover, the indigenous development of these systems strengthens India’s defense manufacturing sector, promoting self-reliance in critical military capabilities.