The Indian Army has moved a proposal worth over Rs 6,500 Crore to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to buy 400 Nos. of 155mm 52 calibre towed gun systems (TGS) along with towing vehicles from Indian firms under the Buy Indian-IDDM category.
The MoD is expected to soon take a decision on the TGS at a high-level meeting.
This move is part of the Army’s strategic plan for modernisation, with a particular focus on ‘Mediumisation’, involving the integration of lighter, technologically advanced artillery. The aim is to enhance the uniformity of the standard of artillery systems used by the army in its arsenal.
In the last decade, four contracts have been concluded for the procurement of 155 mm howitzer. These Gun Systems have already been inducted and more number of Regiments are being equipped with these guns.
These gun systems include Dhanush, Sharang, Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH) and K-9 Vajra Self Propelled Guns. Dhanush Guns are an electronic upgrade of Bofors Guns, while the Sharang Guns have been up-gunned from 130mm to 155mm calibre.
Seven Regiments have already been equipped with ULHs while five have been equipped with self-propelled guns.
Also, to be noted that the Indian Army has already issued a tender for buying 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) along with one for finding a mounted gun system for its requirements along borders with China and Pakistan.
