The Indian Army is set to bolster its artillery firepower with the induction of more numbers of K9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Sarang gun systems. The Indian Army is also in the process of inducting 155 mm gun systems to include Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Mounted Gun System (MGS) and Towed Gun System (TGS).

Briefing media in New Delhi, Director General of Artillery Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar said that Indian Army modernisation and capability development plan is aligned to ‘Atmanirbharta’ drive and is based on the principle of Modernisation through Indigenisation. He informed that ATAGS is 100 percent designed and developed by DRDO. He said the contract is likely to be concluded soon and the trials for both MGS and TGS are likely to commence in 2025. MGS has crew and ammunition on board the vehicle and has shoot and scoot capability, while TGS is a lighter and versatile gun system.

Talking about the rocket system, Lieutenant General Kumar highlighted the success of the Pinaka system, saying that it reflects the success of Atma Nirbharta drive. He said work is underway to improve its range to 120 kilometers, 300 kilometers and beyond. Speaking on the development of Hypersonic Missiles, he said, research and development is on-going to increase range, lethality and precision-guided ammunition of Hypersonic Missiles. Discussing the Army’s long-term artillery modernization plan, Lieutenant General Kumar said emphasis has been laid on strengthening Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance architecture to enhance battlefield transparency.

Highlighting the challenges posed by the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict, Lieutenant General Kumar said, India Army is enhancing its operational preparedness to stay ahead of challenges and threats.