An Indian Army artillery gun being fired during a training exercise. (File photo for representation.)
New Delhi: The Indian Army has issued a tender worth ₹7,000 crore for the procurement of next-generation light artillery guns. This initiative is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its artillery inventory and enhance its operational readiness.
The tender, which was announced recently, seeks to acquire 400 advanced artillery guns in the initial phase, with the total requirement expected to exceed 1,200 units as older systems are phased out. The new artillery guns are expected to be lighter and more versatile than the current models in service, featuring higher levels of automation and accuracy.
The procurement process mandates that the guns be designed, developed, and manufactured domestically, with more than 50 per cent indigenous content based on the contract value. This aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance in defence production and reducing dependence on foreign imports.
Several prominent Indian defence companies, including Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, have shown significant interest in the Army artillery guns project. These companies have already made substantial investments in developing advanced artillery systems in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
The new artillery systems will include 155mm/52 calibre guns, capable of firing a broader range of specialised ammunition. These guns are expected to replace the ageing 130mm field guns currently in service, which are being upgraded to 155mm under the Sharang project.
The Army is expected to take a decision on the tender within the next few months. The successful bidder will be responsible for the supply and maintenance of the guns for a period of 10 years.
As the procurement process unfolds, it is anticipated that the competition among domestic defence manufacturers will be intense, given the lucrative nature of the contract and the strategic importance of the project. This move is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing India’s artillery capabilities and ensuring that the Army is well-equipped to meet immediate and future requirements.
