Lt General Vinod Nayanar, Director General of the Regiment of Artillery, in an interview with SP’s Land Forces said that the Artillery is in the process of procurement and development of gun systems, ammunition (including propellants and fuzes), support systems and networking resources in terms of software and hardware which incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Excerpts of the interview:

SP’s Land Forces (SP’s): In the transformation of the Army which is under way, what are the broad changes that have been envisioned as far as the Artillery is concerned?

Director General Artillery (DG): In the transformation of the Army the broad changes that have been envisioned for the Artillery are as follows:

• Modernisation of all guns for the contact battle.
• Rockets and missiles for degradation and engagement of targets in operational depth.
• Enhanced target acquisition and battlefield transparency by introduction of cutting edge ground, aerial and space based sensors.
• Integrated and synergised utilisation of firepower and surveillance and target acquisition resources through automated systems i.e. artillery combat command and control system (ACCCS) and battlefield surveillance system (BSS).

SP’s: The concept of firepower has undergone changes in recent times. What are the basic changes which have impacted the way we plan or conduct battles as far as firepower is concerned?

DG: Artillery has traversed through nearly two centuries of evolution. In recent times, a distinct shift in concept of application from neutralisation to degradation and destruction has taken place. This shift has come about with the enhanced capability of the Artillery in terms of reach, delivery of larger calibre and more lethal munitions, enhanced precision systems as also greater battlefield transparency. With these enhancements, the Artillery is able to strike deep with precision and thus has the capability to degrade and destroy the targets effectively. The reach of Artillery is now clearly beyond the tactical battlefield, well into the operational depth with enhanced precision and lethality.

SP’s: Despite a lot of talk on the importance of firepower in future wars; our procurements are lagging way behind our aspirations. What are the basic reasons for which we have not been able to move forward in procurement of the light howitzers for the mountains (M 777, 155mm calibre 39) or in the induction of towed 155mm, 52 calibre howitzer, and the self-propelled (wheeled and tracked) howitzers?

DG: Artillery modernisation plan has factored in the latest technological developments and is aligned towards acquisition of modern equipment. Though there have been slippages in procurements, efforts are on to meet the timelines. Besides modernisation through procurement of state-of-art weapon systems available globally, we are also working towards bolstering our inventory through indigenous development of guns systems and munitions. This will open up multiple avenues for intake of modern equipment.

SP’s: The Regiment of Artillery is a very large and a vital arm of the Army. Currently, it has a vast variety of weapons and equipment. Is it time to think of bifurcating certain wings of the artillery, such as the surveillance and target acquisition (SATA), self-propelled artillery, or the missile regiments which fall within the purview of strategic weapons, etc. What are your views on this subject?

DG: The purpose of all surveillance is to detect enemy assets for subsequent destruction. Sensors, therefore, must have total synergy with the associated firepower vectors. This is the essence of all firepower employment philosophy. The aim is to shorten our OODA loop so as to overtake the enemy’s OODA cycle. The thought of bifurcating surveillance from firepower assets is indeed misplaced. In my opinion, it would place us at a disadvantage in any future war.

SP’s: What is the new equipment being inducted in SATA?

DG: In the field of surveillance and target acquisition (SATA), we already have UAVs, BFSR and LORROS. Additionally, we are planning to acquire sensors for persistent aerial surveillance. We are looking for upgrades in existing equipment to include the electronic theodolite, inertial navigation system, sound ranging system and lighter weapon locating radar (WLR) system.

SP’s: What is the philosophy for induction of UAVs? Is the Army interested in inducting any UCAVs?

DG: Our philosophy is to have a credible capability of various UAV systems to ensure battlefield transparency, target acquisition, direction of own artillery fire, target designation and post strike damage assessment across the frontage and depth of the tactical, operational, and strategic areas of operations. UAVs have immense potential for operations in conventional as also in counter-insurgency/counter-terrorism operations. It is also of importance in disaster management roles. The stand-off capability of UCAVs to carryout surgical strikes in depth needs no reiteration. UCAVs definitely are on the wish list.

SP’s: Artillery technology is undergoing transformation rapidly. What changes do you propose in the existing plans to conform to the latest trends in technology? Which are the new technologies which need induction in the artillery?

DG: There has been a fair amount of stabilisation of technology as far as guns per se are concerned. Much of the developments in artillery technology the world over are related to munitions and allied equipment. We are in the process of procurement and development of gun systems, ammunition (including propellants and fuzes), support systems and networking resources in terms of software and hardware which incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Indigenous efforts in this field are extremely encouraging. In addition, we would soon have in our inventory the latest surveillance equipment, UAVs and communication system.

SP’s: What is the status of precision munitions with the Artillery? Are we planning to induct more such ammunition?

DG: At present laser designated precision ammunition is held with Artillery. Yes, we are planning to induct more precision ammunition like sensor fuzed munitions, terminally guided munitions and trajectory correctible munitions and the same we hope will fructify in the next few years, based on the pace of the procurement process.

SP’s: What has been the result of fielding the ACCCS in the field formations?

DG: ACCCS has been a landmark achievement for the Artillery in its quest for network-centricity. It has greatly enhanced our capability to deliver highly accurate and responsive fire power. The fielding of the equipment has brought forth many challenges which are being addressed quite successfully. Some of these challenges relate to the types of communication equipment being used, as also integration with other networks. Highly innovative methods are being looked at to address these challenges.

SP’s: As part of the battlefield management system (BMS), is every artillery weapon platform going to be a ‘situational awareness platform’ or is this being done at the battery level?

DG: Most of the “new generation” guns available worldwide are equipped with integrated fire control and communication systems which enables them to function as autonomous units. All the new generation guns which are under procurement/development for the Indian Artillery too, are envisaged to have the above mentioned capability. This however does not take away the capability to also control them at the battery level (which in fact would be the norm), thus bringing in inherent flexibility in the system.

SP’s: We believe that the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) has had the design of the 155mm Bofors with them for the last two decades. Why have we not been able to design and manufacture 155mm howitzers ourselves? Has the private sector shown any interest in this field?

DG: The transfer of technology by Bofors was available with the OFB. Hitherto, the technology was utilised for production of spare barrels, breech block and certain other critical parts of the gun. The technology was also utilised for production of ammunition. With a view to open an alternate avenue for procurement of gun system, OFB has been given an opportunity. This is also in keeping with our long-term aim of achieving self-reliance. The private sector is being used extensively to source components/sub-systems for this project.

SP’s: Has the concept of Artillery Divisions been successful? What are the advantages that have been experienced by grouping Artillery in a division level organisation?

DG: Yes, the concept of Artillery Division has been successful in providing a flexible, responsive and effective organisation at theatre level to plan, coordinate, employ and exploit firepower to optimise effectiveness. It is a force multiplier and it has indeed added a new dimension to the concept of employment of artillery. rockets, missiles and long-range guns with a variety of ammunition including precision guided ammunition grouped in the artillery division level organisation gives us the capability to concentrate firepower for the conduct of tactical degradation operations as well as fire support to the formations as part of overall theatre plan.