Military & Aerospace

Artillery Modernisation
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Issue Vol. 29.2 Apr-Jun 2014 | Date : 04 Jun , 2015

MLRS Firing a Basic M26 Rocket

Surveillance and Target Acquisition

The purpose of all surveillance is to direct enemy assets for subsequent destruction. Sensors, therefore, must have total synergy with the associate firepower vectors. This is the essence of all firepower employment philosophy. The aim is to shorten the OODA loop so as to overtake the enemy’s OODA cycle. The thought of bifurcating surveillance from firepower assets is indeed misplaced and would place any army at a disadvantage in future wars. In the fields of surveillance and target acquisition, the artillery already has UAVs, BFSR and the LORROS. Additionally, plans exist to acquire sensors for persistent aerial surveillance. The artillery is also looking for upgrades in existing equipment to include the electronic theodolite, inertial navigation system, sound ranging systems and lighter Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) system.

The army’s artillery philosophy includes having a credible capability of various UAV systems to ensure depth of tactical, operational and strategic areas of operations…

The army’s artillery philosophy includes having a credible capability of various UAV systems to ensure battlefield transparency, target acquisition, direction of own artillery fire, target designation and post strike damage assessment across the frontage and depth of the tactical, operational and strategic areas of operations. UAVs have immense potential for operations in conventional as well as counter insurgency/counter terrorist operations, plus in disaster management roles. The stand-off capabilities of UCAVs to undertake surgical strikes in depth are immense. UCAVs are very much on the artillery’s wishlist and should materialise in the near future, depending upon the budget and priorities accorded.

Information Systems

The ACCCS was the first information system to have been introduced into the Indian Army and it has been a landmark achievement for the artillery in its quest for network centricity. The system has greatly enhanced the artillery’s capability to deliver highly accurate and responsive firepower. Fielding of the equipment has brought forth many challenges which are being addressed quite successfully. Some of these challenges relate to the types of communication equipment being used, as also integration of with other networks.

At the moment, innovative methods are being used to address these challenges since their eventual resolution lies in final fielding of the Tactical Communication System (TCS) and other components of army’s Tactical Command, Control and Communication (TAC C3I) system, particularly the BSS, Battlefield Management System (BMS) and the Command Information and Decision Support System (CIDSS) all of which will take considerable time. Most of the ‘new generation’ guns available worldwide are equipped with integrated fire control and communications systems which enable them to function as autonomous units. All the new generation guns which are under procurement or being developed too are envisaged to have these capabilities. This, however, does not take away the capability to also control them at the battery level, which is required and provides inherent flexibility to the system.

Smerch 300mm Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher

Artillery Divisions

The Indian Army has successfully employed the concept of Artillery Divisions, formations to support Strike Corps operations. In vogue for the past few years, this concept has been highly successful. It has provided a flexible, responsive and effective organisation at theatre level to plan, coordinate, employ and exploit firepower to optimise effectiveness. The concept has been a force multiplier, adding a new dimension to the concept of employment of artillery, rockets, missiles and long range guns with a variety of ammunition including precision guided ammunition grouped in the Artillery Division. It has also provided the capability to concentrate firepower for the conduct of tactical degradation operations as well as fire support to the formations as part of the overall theatre plan.

The artillery in the Indian context needs to support infantry operations plus in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations.…

Gun versus Rockets

The gun versus rocket debate has been ongoing in all armies including in India albeit there is very little difference between the effectiveness of rockets and conventional artillery. Conventional artillery like the Multiple Rocket Launching System (MLRS) too has acquired a fair amount of mobility. Both are capable of finding a suitable firing point, setting up quickly, releasing an accurate and concentrated payload over a period of time and then dispersing from the area before being detected and hit with counter-fire.

At the same time, armies are considering the two systems side-by-side looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both. Advantages of artillery guns are cheap ammunition, the ability to use GPS rounds for accuracy, faster reloads, high rate of fire, ability to sustain fire over long periods, Multiple Round Simultaneous Impact (MRSI) capability and a large variety of ammunition and calibre available. At the same time, issues with the artillery guns are long barrel needed restricting movement, heavy weight of barrel and breach given the need for pressure containment, high recoil that must be absorbed and the tone of blast can easily be detected by counter bombardment devices.

In case of the MLRS, the plus points are high first hit probability, large projectile with large explosive force than an artillery shell, quick initial deployment; quick getaway, potential to ‘fire’ rockets as UAVs fitted with camera to locate and then destroy target – as being developed in advanced armies, MRSI impact capability, potential for larger rockets to have greater range and payload (more than that of conventional artillery) and the potential to engage air targets. On the other hand, what can be considered as negatives in the case of MLRS are easily detectable contour trails once rockets are fired, expensive munitions, time consuming reloads, back blasts, high technology involved has more chances of system failure and relatively limited range of munitions are compared to artillery.

Pinaka

The artillery and rocket systems have two very different purposes on the contemporary battlefield. The MLRS is slightly more versatile since it has the future potential for engaging air targets, even incoming munitions and a larger rocket can have more range and impact than a shell as there is a limit to the effective area of an artillery shell. The rocket is, therefore, a useful multi-role platform, capable not only of ground bombardment but also hitting aerial targets and incoming munitions. At the same time, artillery is far better in providing sustained fire on a ground target, and particularly when used in larger numbers field guns can have a devastating impact with their fire deflating the enemy’s resources. Given the recent technological leaps with regards to aiming devices and self-propelled artillery vehicles, the accuracy of artillery does not really require very expensive rounds. Both systems clearly have advantages and disadvantages. Like any weapons system they must be deployed for the tasks most suited to them.

Much of the developments in artillery technology the world over are related to munitions and allied equipment…

The Future

Much of the developments in artillery technology the world over are related to munitions and allied equipment. We are in the process of procuring and developing gun systems, ammunition including propellant and fuzes, support systems and networking resources in terms of software and hardware which incorporate state-of-the-art technology. Indigenous efforts should be able to provide modern surveillance equipment, UAVs and communication equipment. There has been progress with regards to the acquisition and indigenous production of surveillance and target acquisition equipment (UAVs and gun locating radars), rocket artillery (Smerch, Pinaka) and missiles (BrahMos) but these are only in limited numbers and nowhere near the envisaged requirement.

At present, laser designated precision ammunition is held by our artillery. There are plans to induct more precision ammunition like sensor fuzzed munitions, terminally guided munitions and trajectory correctable munitions – acquisition of which will depend upon the pace of procurement. However, in the pursuit of self-reliance it would be prudent not to rely solely on the OFB. Simultaneously, we must speedily form Joint Ventures (JVs) between India and foreign firms that have been dealing with gun systems development or have the potential to do so.

Artillery modernisation is a major programme in the Indian Army and needs to be given as much importance if not more in comparison with the manoeuvre arms it supports. The relevance is more in the Indian context because of the mountainous terrain where it needs to support infantry operations plus in counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations. Unquestionably, artillery units will continue to be used to support the infantry to the benefit of all. It is precisely in these sorts of operation that the new precision of artillery will become more telling and relevant. India has a long way to go in modernising its artillery. Presently, the artillery modernisation plan appears to be stymied. There is an urgent need to provide it an impetus considering the enhanced threat posed to us along a two and a half front.

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5 thoughts on “Artillery Modernisation

  1. Majority of high ranking defense officers still think about artillery guns, Mortar, Hand Grenade and assault rifle with foot soldiers. The fact is that they do not know what is happening in the world. as well as our past experience in 1971 war. How many people will be able to tell how Israel won the 1973 Israel against Arab ?. How many army officers made a plan to recapture the lost territory to Pakistan during 1971 war? M-777 is a good gun like Bofors. But it cannot move on its own like Bofors. The gun has to be relocated very frequently to escape from the weapon locating radar of the enemy and subsequent enemy fire. The weapon locating radar is very effective. Pakistan had effectively used it in the Kargil war against Indian foot soldiers. The Army Chief General J .J. Singh has not taken the right decision to go in for M-777. I wonder how he missed the vital point I mentioned. It is unfortunate that these senior Army officers have no war strategy and are carried away by arms dealers. Where as general public are aware that USA supplied Weapon locating radars to Pakistan to counter 155 mm gun. At that time the only way to save the gun from enemy attack is to change location Immediately after some firing. So we found Bofors gun is suitable than French Guns. M-777 gun is lighter than Bofors gun .But it is like French guns. This is not modernization. Better Fire power and accuracy can be achieved by missiles. We have varieties of missiles. Only thing is that Army should no how to use it ( When and Where).

  2. THE DHANUSH HAS PROVED ITSELF IN THE PLAINS , IN SIKKIM . IT MUST NOW BE USED AS THE TOWED , MOUNTED ON TATRA OR TATA TUCKS , WITH WHEELED VERSIONS AND TRACKED MOUNTED ON THE ARJUN CHASIS . NOW IS THE TIME FOR ARDE , ORDNANCE FACTORIES, GUN CARRIAGE FACTORY AT KANPUR TO JOIN HANDS WITH TATA , L$T, BHARAT FORGE , KALYANI , FORCE MOTORS , MAHINDRAS AND PUNJLYOD TO MANUFACTURE THE ENTIRE REQUIREMENT IN INDIA WITH INDIAN COMPANIES JOINING HAND WITH MARGINAL CONSULTATION WITH THE BAE , GERMANS OR FRENCH AND PRODUCING THE GUNS WORTH 100000 CRORES IN INDIA WHERE INDIAN INDUSTRY BECOMES WORLD CLASS AND THOUSANDS OF JOBS ARE CREATED IN INDIA .THE 155MM 52 CALIBRE CAN FOLLOW ONCE DESIGNED , PROVEN AND TESTED . THE ARMY MUST CLEAR THE ROADBLOCKS AND NOT LAY ANY FURTHER STRINGENT QR OR REQUIREMENT FOR THE DHANUSH .,THE GUN NEEDS TO BE MASS PRODUCED AND NOT 114IN NOS CONURRENT IMPROVEMENT , REDUCE WEIGHT AND INCREASE IN RANGE CAN BE SAUGHT WITH COLLABORATIONS

  3. The thirty year delay shows the Indian army , Mod and Pmo in poor light in how not to manage defence affairs. THE MANTRI BABU , BUSINESSMEN COMBINE HAVE LEFT A VOID IN INDIAS DEFENCES AND OFFENSIVE FORMATIONS GIVING A CHANCE TO A BELLIGERANT PAKISTAN TO EXPLOIT THE WEAKNESS AND KILL INDIAN SOLDERS IN PEACETIME WTH ITS THOUSAND CUTS POLICY . IF ONLY THE 155 MM HOWITZERS WERE INDUCTED IN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME EACH INFRINGEMENT OF PAKISTAN BORDER FIRING SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPULSED WITH A BARRAGE FROM THESE HEAVY GUNS TO SEEK AND DESTROY THE PAK POSTS WHICH ENCOURAGE INFILTERATION OF TERRORISTS AND WHEN PAK ARMY ELITE OFFICERS BODY BAGS WOULD HAVE GONE HOME , PEACE WOULD HAVE PREVAILED . PAKISTANI SYMPATHISERS IN INDIAN ESTABLISHMENTS OF DECISION MAKING HAVE ENSURED NO INDUCTION OF THESE GUNS AND THE ARMY HANDICAPPED IN RETALIATION TO THE PROVOCATIONS AND WAR MONGERING FROM PAKISTAN . THE NATION WATCHES IN HORROR AS BSF , ARMY SOLDERS DEAD COME IN BODY BAGS BUT WHO CARES AS THEY ARE NEITHER THE SONS OF THE POLITCANS THE BABUS OF IAS , IFS OR IPS OR BUSINESSMEN . THESE ARE THE POOR SONS FROM SMALL TOWNS AND VILLAGES WHERE PEOPLE SURVIVE WITH LESS THAN 2 DOLLARS A DAY

  4. Role of artillery gun can not be undermined, and utility of 155mm Bofors gun has been proved beyond doubts in Kargil war. As far as its its indigenous availability is concerned, OFB is capable of producing and delivering 155mm gun provided firm indent is placed on OFB by procurement agency in MoD. In addition, Tata and Bharat Forge are also gearing up their capabilities to produce 155 mm gun. So there is no dearth of indigenous supplier for supply of 155 mm gun. It only requires firm commitment and action from procurement agencies for acquisition of this weapon.

  5. This is an interesting article on the Modernisation of Artillery in the Indian Armed Forces. While the developed countries have made enormous advancements in upgrading their Artillery weapon systems, and introducing state-of-the-art Artillery equipment into their Armed Forces, there is a visible lack of urgency in our Country. Notwithstanding the causes of such inertia, the Country will have to pay a dear price when the chips are down as we seem inadequately prepared for battle. There is an urgent need for the Country to rise above politicking and give an impetus to the procurement process for Artillery weapon systems, if we have to give a good account of our Military prowess. It is clear that the induction of indigenous weapon systems can never fulfill the stark gap in our requirement of Artillery weapon systems, nor can it compete with state-of-the-art imported equipment pieces that are essential to take on a better prepared Army.

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