The Indian Army is celebrating the 198th Gunners Day today. The day is celebrated to commemorate the raising of the first Indian Artillery Unit, namely, 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery, on this day in 1827. In an exclusive interaction with Akashvani News, Director General of Artillery Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar emphasised that the Regiment of Artillery is on a modernisation drive based on the vision of Aatmnirbhar Bharat and the vision for a technologically advanced and combat-ready force. Mr. Kumar highlighted that key modernisation efforts included the standardisation of the 155mm artillery gun and the integration of advanced systems such as Ultra-Light Howitzers, K9 Vajra, and Sharang guns.

Artillery was first used in India in the 14th century by the Bahmani Kings during the Deccan War against Vijaynagar Kingdom. A force multiplier throughout the Mughal Period, and later during the reign of the Marathas, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the Sikhs under Maharaja Ranjit Singh, artillery has eternally been an arm to reckon with. The Regiment of Artillery, one of the largest arms of the Indian Army, proved its mettle also during the operations of 1947-48, 1962, 1965, 1971, and 1999. After the Kargil conflict, artillery has acquired further prominence, and with its vast array of weapons, it is acknowledged as a significant ‘Arm of Decision’.