The coming years will determine whether India can fully transition to a domestically developed artillery force without compromising combat effectiveness.
New Delhi: The Indian Army is in the middle of a significant artillery modernisation drive, focusing on homegrown defence manufacturing while maintaining the highest operational standards. The push for indigenous systems aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, but the Army remains firm that only battle-proven systems will be inducted into frontline service.
With multiple 155mm artillery gun programs in various stages of development, the Army is ensuring that these systems meet its rigorous Qualitative Requirements (QRs) before mass deployment. While Indian defence manufacturers have made strides in exporting advanced weaponry, their induction into the Army requires additional validation under extreme operational conditions, from the glaciers of Ladakh to the deserts of Rajasthan.
STRENGTHENING FIREPOWER THROUGH INDIGENISATION
As timelines for key trials and evaluations approach, the focus is on whether Indian manufacturers can meet the Army’s strict development schedules, ensuring that artillery systems are delivered on time without compromising quality. The Army’s artillery modernisation efforts aim to enhance firepower while reducing dependency on foreign imports.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is in its final stage of procurement, with a contract for 307 units worth
Meanwhile, the Mounted Gun System (MGS) is under development, with field trials scheduled for December 2025. The Army issued an RFP for 155mm/52-calibre MGS in July 2023, inviting multiple Indian firms, including Bharat Forge, to submit proposals. Contenders requested 18 months to develop and produce the system for field evaluation, making timely completion crucial.
Similarly, the Towed Gun System (TGS) program saw an RFP issued in July 2024. The Army will conduct field evaluations in July 2025, expecting all participating firms to submit their systems on time without seeking extensions. These systems’ timely availability and performance will shape India’s self-reliant artillery roadmap.
At the same time, the expansion of the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer fleet continues, reinforcing firepower capabilities in high-altitude operational zones. Initially developed for desert warfare, the system has been adapted for extreme conditions, such as those seen in Ladakh. An additional 100 units are expected to be inducted by the end of 2025, enhancing the Army’s artillery mobility and firepower.
EXPANDING INDIGENOUS CAPABILITIES
The modernisation drive extends beyond artillery guns to include the Pinaka rocket system, an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher whose range has been increased from 72 km to a planned 120 km, surpassing the Russian-origin Smerch system. These advancements signify India’s commitment to strengthening defence preparedness through self-reliant initiatives. The extended-range Pinaka is expected to provide the Army with deep-strike capabilities, allowing precision targeting of enemy assets well beyond conventional artillery range.
Despite this progress, the Indian Army is uncompromising in its approach to testing and evaluation. The challenges posed by India’s operational terrain necessitate that all artillery systems withstand extreme cold, high-altitude pressure differences, desert heat, and monsoon humidity.
Before a system is inducted, it must pass multi-stage evaluations, including live firing tests in different environmental conditions. Even after contracts are signed, manufacturers must produce and deliver prototypes for additional trials before mass production approval. This stringent process ensures that only the most reliable systems make it to the battlefield.
EVOLVING NATURE OF ARTILLERY WARFARE
Artillery has long been regarded as the “King of the Battlefield” due to its ability to deliver overwhelming firepower in offensive and defensive operations. As former Army Chief General M.M. Naravane (Retd) pointed out, its role remains pivotal, but it must evolve to meet the demands of modern warfare. The introduction of precision-guided munitions, loitering munitions, long-range artillery, drones, GPS guidance, and mounted gun systems has transformed how artillery operates in battle.
Conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine have reinforced the necessity for mobile and survivable artillery platforms. The widespread use of rocket artillery systems like HIMARS demonstrates the increasing importance of high-mobility firepower that can be rapidly deployed and relocated to avoid enemy counter-battery fire. India’s artillery acquisitions must cater to these evolving battlefield requirements, ensuring that firepower remains adaptable to future threats.
General Naravane has also emphasised the logistical challenges of sustaining artillery firepower in prolonged conflicts. The sheer number of shells required for sustained bombardment—sometimes reaching tens of thousands per day—demands a robust and responsive ammunition supply chain. An industrial base capable of ramping up production during a war is essential. While India has a stockpile of artillery rounds, it must invest in scalable manufacturing capabilities to ensure long-term sustainability.
TRANSITION FROM TOWED TO MOUNTED GUN SYSTEMS
One of the most significant changes in modern artillery doctrine is the transition from towed artillery to mounted gun systems (MGS). Traditional towed howitzers, while effective, suffer from mobility limitations that make them vulnerable to enemy counter-battery fire. Modern conflicts have shown that rapid deployment and redeployment capabilities are critical in artillery operations.
Towed gun systems like the Bofors FH77 and the M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzer have been integral to India’s artillery firepower. However, these platforms require additional repositioning time after firing, reducing survivability in high-intensity battles. Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), where the gun is integrated into a wheeled chassis, offer superior mobility and allow for “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, enabling rapid repositioning after engaging a target.
The Indian Army has already recognised this shift and is pushing for mounted platforms for its artillery modernisation. The K9 Vajra is one example of a tracked self-propelled howitzer that offers excellent mobility and firepower. Similarly, the 155mm/52-calibre MGS currently under development will bridge the gap between towed and tracked artillery, offering high mobility at a lower cost than fully armoured self-propelled guns.
ENSURING RIGOROUS TESTING AND EVALUATION
The Indian Army plays an active role in supporting indigenous defence development. Beyond setting high-performance benchmarks, it assists manufacturers by providing access to firing ranges, technical guidance, and operational feedback. This support is essential in bridging the gap between conceptual design and combat readiness, helping domestic manufacturers fine-tune their systems before large-scale production.
Live-fire tests are conducted across varied landscapes, from high-altitude cold deserts to humid plains, ensuring that each system meets the operational requirements of diverse battle zones. The Army’s focus on standardisation and performance benchmarking ensures that all artillery systems meet exacting specifications before being inducted into service. The Army is not merely a buyer but a strategic enabler, helping Indian manufacturers refine their technologies to meet international and domestic standards.
MOVING TOWARDS A SELF-RELIANT ARTILLERY ECOSYSTEM
With ATAGS procurement nearing finalisation and multiple field trials scheduled over the next two years, India’s artillery capabilities are set for a major transformation. However, the success of this modernisation effort will depend on timely deliveries, the ability of indigenous manufacturers to meet testing standards, and the seamless integration of new systems into the Army’s operational framework.
While challenges remain, India is on a strong trajectory toward a self-reliant artillery ecosystem, ensuring that battlefield readiness and indigenous innovation go hand in hand. The coming years will determine whether India can fully transition to a domestically developed artillery force without compromising combat effectiveness. The Army’s steadfast focus on rigorous evaluation, combined with its commitment to supporting domestic defence firms, is set to create a modernised artillery force that is both versatile and battle-ready.
* Ashish Singh is an award-winning senior journalist with over 18 years of experience in defence & strategic affairs.