To be successful in a full spectrum conflict, there is a need to modernise, have a balanced profile and upgrade our defence industry to achieve a reasonable degree of indigenisation thereby enhancing our capabilities in a two-front war

Modern technological advancement and revolution in military affairs has necessitated a transformation in strategic thinking with a paradigm shift in conduct of operations. As a consequence, military doctrines, force structures and weapon systems are also under constant review. Accordingly, the vision of the Indian Army for the 21st century has been to have a well-equipped and optimally structured force, enabling it to respond effectively to varied situations and demands while continually adapting to meet future challenges.

In the current battlefield environment, artillery plays a predominant role by providing firepower in a combined arms battle. The present milieu focuses on accurate standoff strikes in a network-centric arena against a nuclear backdrop.

Requirement of New Generation Weapon Systems

The Artillery needs to be well-equipped and optimally structured to meet the challenges of future battlefield. The requirement of new generation weapon systems in our context emerges from the following:

• Potential target areas and fieldworks are heavily reinforced with concrete fortifications.
• Expansion of mechanised forces underscores the need for large calibre self-propelled artillery systems with higher rates of fire.
• Development of better roads and tracks in mountains will enable employment of towed artillery.
• The Artillery will also be needed to cater to airborne /helicopter-borne operations and out of area contingencies.
• Upgraded acquisition capability is required for detection, identification and location of a target so as to indicate the best suited weapon coupled with the most effective means for target destruction.
• Domination and degradation of enemy in depth with beyond the horizon kill capability of long-range rockets and missile systems assumes importance.
• Standardisation of calibre is important to ensure ammunition compatibility and reduce logistic complexities.

Future Gun Systems

In view of the above, 155mm gun systems should meet our requirements. however, it is essential to have a judicious mix within the calibres to suit diverse terrain conditions, operational requirements and to cut down dependence on a single source. hence, certain variants of 155mm guns have been planned for induction to suit local terrain conditions. Earlier the 155mm calibre was referred to as a medium gun, but now it is planned to have this as the standard calibre.

Mediumisation of artillery will improve the overall firepower qualitatively. The various aspects of qualitative improvement are discussed below:

Increase in gun densities: Longer ranges are a derivative of mediumisation and this will also improve the gun densities. It will also enable regiments to be deployed in a concentrated manner and yet cover the required frontage and depth.

Depth and degradation capability: Mediumisations of artillery coupled with availability of long-range rockets will result in viable degradation in-depth areas, which would assist in reducing enemy combat potential. Consequently, the enemy’s comb power during contact battle would be proportionately reduced.

Enhance lethality: heavier weight of shell will improve lethality. Enemy defences which hitherto fore could not be destroyed by smaller calibre shells which will now be tackled more effectively.

Logistics capability: A standard calibre would result in standardised ammunition system for all guns. Our operational logistics will be simplified. Moreover, the 155mm family of ammunition is also available in a palletised form.

Flexibility in engagement: Increased range due to larger calibre will enhance flexibility to engage targets by concentrated fires.

Mortars: In future, though major portion of artillery will be based on 155mm guns. however, it is desirable to retain mortars in the inventory due to their high angle capability, ability to engage targets on reverse slopes and flexibility of deployment, especially in the mountains and in other difficult terrain conditions. They can also be transported on mules and by helicopters. In order to make them more effective, it would be worthwhile to have long-range mortars with versatile ammunition.