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The Indian Army is preparing for a major purchase of 300 indigenous ‘Dhanush’ howitzers to strengthen its artillery capability. This proposal is likely to be approved soon in a high-level meeting of the Defense Ministry. Under this deal, 15 new regiments equipped with advanced 155 mm 45-calibre guns will be raised. This will be the second big order for the ‘Dhanush’ platform. Earlier, the Army has placed an order for 114 guns, of which four regiments have already been inducted and two more will be brought into operation soon.

From Bofors technology to indigenous development:

‘Dhanush’ is being manufactured by the public sector company Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL). This gun has been developed on the basis of technology acquired from the Bofors FH-77 howitzer purchased in the 1980s. Despite the controversies, the technological foundation provided by the Bofors deal paved the way for indigenous artillery development. ‘Dhanush’ is equipped with modern upgrades, including 155 mm ammunition compatibility and Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS). The system provides an effective range of over 38 kilometres, which is far superior to the older systems.

‘Dhanush’ proved its reliability in desert, high Himalayan and humid conditions during rigorous trials at Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan in June 2018. It can be towed by indigenous trucks and provides accuracy in both direct and indirect fire modes.

Strategic importance of ‘Dhanush’ howitzers.

Each army regiment usually has 18 howitzers. The new order will equip 15 regiments, which will be deployed along the Line of Control (LAC) and western borders. This will take the total number of ‘Dhanush’ to more than 400 and will form the mainstay of the Army’s 155 mm artillery.

Amidst the deployment of modern systems like PCL-181 by China and replicas of Western designs by Pakistan, ‘Dhanush’ is being seen as an affordable and tested-proven option.

Cost and Self-Sufficiency:

The estimated cost of this deal is said to be around Rs 5,000 crore. Large-scale orders will reduce per unit costs and the target is to complete supply by 2028-2030. The principles of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ are being implemented at the unit located at Ambajogai (Maharashtra) with over 80% of components being sourced.

Defense experts believe that the deployment of ‘Dhanush’ in large numbers will significantly increase the Army’s firepower and counter-fire capability, which will help in maintaining balance in the modern battlefield.

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