Indian soldiers firing a 155mm artillery gun at a field firing range. (File photo)
New Delhi: On the eve of the Indian Army’s Artillery Day, Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar, the director general of Artillery, offered insights into the Army’s forthcoming plans to modernize its artillery wing during a news conference at the Delhi Cantonment, on Friday. During the meeting with reporters, Lt Gen Kumar highlighted the Army’s firepower capabilities and shed light on the current initiatives and future acquisitions aimed at bolstering the Regiment of Artillery’s operational readiness.
Lt Gen Kumar emphasized the crucial necessity for modernizing artillery systems through both domestic production and international cooperation. Underscoring the significance of artillery in future combat scenarios, the DG Artillery said, “We are committed to enhancing our capabilities with state-of-the-art weapons systems that ensure operational superiority.”
A key initiative Lt Gen Kumar mentioned was the introduction of advanced 155mm howitzers, including additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers, Sarang, ultra-light howitzers, and Dhanush – the domestically produced long-range artillery gun. Some of these systems that are already in operational use are slated for further expansion.
“Our focus remains on firepower that is not only precise but capable of long-range engagements. The integration of these systems will greatly boost our capabilities,” Kumar said.
Another vital area of modernization involves rocket artillery. The DG Artillery said the Army intends to induct more Pinaka multi-barrel rocket-launcher systems, with a focus on upgrading the existing variants with improved range and accuracy. “We are enhancing the capability of our rocket systems to ensure that we remain ahead of potential adversaries in terms of both range and precision,” he said, stressing on the importance of domestic efforts in this domain.
Lt Gen Kumar also highlighted the increasing role of surveillance and target acquisition (SATA) systems. He envisaged that these technologies, including weapon-locating radars and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will be essential in supporting precision strikes in modern warfare. He said, “The future of artillery lies in the seamless integration of firepower and real-time intelligence,” adding that such systems will enable artillery units to engage targets with greater accuracy and efficiency.
The DG Artillery also informed that the Army is currently pursuing the procurement of Excalibur precision-guided munitions from the United States, which will significantly enhance the accuracy of artillery fire. These munitions have already demonstrated effectiveness in trials and deployments.
Lt Gen Kumar stressed that the modernization of artillery remains a top priority for the Army as it adapts to evolving security challenges. He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to ensuring that artillery units remain at the forefront of warfare, combining advanced firepower with real-time intelligence and precision.
On Saturday, the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery will mark its 198th raising day. On September 28, 1827, the 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery was inducted in the regiment as its first unit. The day is also known as Artillery Day or Gunners’ Day.
