OVING M TARGET

India's evolving battlefield strategies emphasise the need for the Indian Army to accelerate the induction of Self-Propelled Howitzers, enhancing firepower, survivability, and precision, as highlighted by ATUL CHANDRA, driven by lessons from global conflicts and emerging technological advancements

- ATUL CHANDRA

The Indian Army needs to induct a greater number of mobile artilleries, if it needs to be adequately prepared for any future conflict. The army has already taken into account the lessons from the ongoing Ukraine-Russia War, which has made it clear that large-calibre self-propelled artillery systems are key for the success of future military offensives. The war in Ukraine has reinforced the need for self-propelled artillery, which are able to survive drone attacks, can cross the frontline and engage targets as far away as 40 km.

Modern battles are largely fluid, with swathes of territory being transferred rapidly between opposing forces. The fluidity of the battlespace, combined with 24/7 reconnaissance and strike capability courtesy of drones and loitering munitions, means mobile weapon systems have a greater chance of survival. The ability of large-calibre self-propelled artillery systems and multiple rocket launchers to strike at ever increasing distances is also crucial for the success of battlefield campaigns. As a result, countries producing self-propelled artillery are not only increasing production rates but also introducing new features that will make them even more potent and battleworthy. As per the Indian Army's Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP) it has a requirement for 814 155mm/52cal Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), 1,580 Towed Gun Systems (TGS), 180 wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers (SPH), 145 Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH) and 100 tracked SPHs. At the present moment only the ULH and tracked SPH requirements have been met.