Taking lessons from the Russo-Ukrainian war, the Indian Army is changing the profile of its artillery regiments to meet the challenge from China by inducting modern weapons systems from the indigenous defense industry that provide enhanced precision firepower and target acquisition capabilities. The Ministry of Defense believes in the development of the artillery regiment’s comprehensive capabilities and has allowed the Army to take a series of measures, key among which is the shift to “mediumization” of only 155 mm/52 caliber artillery, which is the global standard for 155 mm/52 caliber artillery. Defense sources said firepower had been increased.
However, they pointed out that the phased plan to upgrade indigenous guns like Dhanush and Sharang – electronic upgrades of Bofors guns – and the guns that have to be procured are expected to be completed by 2040. It is understood that the caliber of Sharang artillery has been upgraded from 130mm to 155mm and the Army has purchased 25% of the over 300 artillery pieces contracted so far from the Defense PSU.
Dhanush gun
Defense sources said that the delay in Dhanush artillery procurement mainly due to import issues has been resolved and the artillery is expected to get five more regiments from the state-owned Advanced Weapons and Equipment of India Limited (AWEIL). 2026.
The UK Ministry of Defense has submitted two Request for Proposals (RFPs) for over 600 155mm/52 caliber artillery pieces worth Rs 300 crore each; these include over 300 Advanced Towed Artillery Systems (ATAGS), which will be built by two Distribution by private companies Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and Bharat Forge. Sources in the Ministry of Defense revealed that the pre-bid meeting for the ATAGS RFP will be held soon and the process for placing the order is expected to be concluded by November. Another RFP was for more than 300 towed guns, but its procurement took longer than ATAGS.
The artillery regiment is also looking at the expertise of the Indian defense industry to produce a versatile 155 mm/52 caliber lightweight towed gun system as it can also operate in the high altitude terrain of the western region and meet the needs of future technological advancements.
“Shoot and slide”
In addition to existing regiments, the artillery is looking to equip more vehicle-mounted and self-propelled artillery systems, modifying military tactics to support “shoot and glide” to avoid land platforms becoming targets against air attacks, as detailed by Defense Ministry sources the recent war. Defense Ministry officials estimate that the Russian Army fired 20,000 artillery rounds a day during the 18-month conflict, while Ukraine retaliated with 4,000 to 5,000 rounds.
In addition to artillery upgrades, the artillery regiment’s modernization plan also includes the development of rockets and missile regiments with higher range and accuracy, the procurement of ammunition with higher range and accuracy, and the reorganization of surveillance and target acquisition (SATA) units.National defense strategic planners believe that promoting Atmanirbhata In the event of a protracted war, the military industry will be a game changer as it will meet the need for continuous supply of weapons and ammunition.
increase range
Sharing details of the Pinaka multiple rocket launcher system, defense sources said the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), which developed the system, is also exploring increasing its range to 120 km and 300 km, while it may further The introduction of this weapons platform will begin soon.
Likewise, the missile capabilities of ballistic and cruise missiles developed by DRDO have been enhanced in terms of range and accuracy. According to reports, the range of the BrahMos supersonic missile has been extended from 290 kilometers to 350 kilometers.
Sources in the Ministry of Defense pointed out that full attention is also being given to developing more lethal and accurate ammunition for its ULH artillery system, Pinaka rockets, and upgrading of electronic equipment with the participation of Bharat Electronics Limited.
