Indian Army Prioritizes 155/52 Caliber Artillery, Drops Plans for More Ultra-Light Howitzers

The Indian Army has decided to abandon its plans to acquire more ultra-light howitzers (ULHs), such as the M777 or indigenous Towed Gun System (TGS) variants, opting instead to concentrate on procuring 155/52 caliber artillery guns. This strategic shift is driven by the Army's evolving firepower requirements and the operational advantages offered by the larger caliber systems.

The 155/52 caliber guns have emerged as the preferred choice for the Indian Army's artillery modernization efforts. These guns, capable of firing extended-range ammunition, offer significant advantages over smaller caliber systems like the 155/39, particularly in terms of range, accuracy, and firepower.

The larger 52-caliber barrel enables these guns to achieve ranges of up to 48 kilometers with the latest ammunition, surpassing the 30-40 kilometer range of the 155/39 caliber systems. This extended range, coupled with higher accuracy and the ability to utilize advanced ammunition, makes the 155/52 caliber guns more versatile and effective in a wider range of combat scenarios.

The decision to drop the procurement of ULHs, including the M777 and indigenous options, stems from several considerations. Firstly, it avoids potential conflict with the Army's focus on enhancing the TGS capabilities, particularly with the larger 155/52 caliber systems. By removing ULHs from the procurement plan, the Army streamlines its artillery modernization efforts and ensures that resources are not diverted from its primary focus.

Secondly, the 155/52 caliber guns offer superior firepower compared to ULHs like the M777. While ULHs were initially considered for high-altitude deployments, their limitations in range and lethality, particularly in challenging terrains like the Himalayas, have led the Army to prioritize the more capable 155/52 systems.

The 155/39 caliber guns, while effective in certain contexts, present limitations in high-altitude operations. Their shorter range and reduced versatility in accommodating advanced munitions hinder their effectiveness in mountainous warfare, where long-range precision fire is essential.

In contrast, the 155/52 caliber guns, with their extended range and higher accuracy, enable precise strikes even from concealed positions and in challenging terrains. This capability is crucial in mountainous and high-altitude environments where engagement distances are often greater and the terrain necessitates long-range precision fire.

This shift in the Indian Army's artillery strategy reflects a focus on acquiring systems that offer maximum firepower and versatility across diverse operational environments. By prioritizing the 155/52 caliber guns, the Army is enhancing its long-range precision strike capabilities and ensuring its readiness to address a wide range of threats.

 

[PKPRS]

Great, but truck mounted would be more useful for faster deployment than towed, light howitzers still have their use for Air dropping in inaccessible terrains.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

ULHs will be useful for the terrains where heavier howitzers can't be moved. Have a mix of them.

 

[Satya Dev]

But even 155mm dia ULHs are available in 52calibre. In fact our army was to award a contract to upgrade the existing M777s to 52calibre.
Even kalyanis have a ULH 155mmx52cal Bharat52-ER.

 

[Anant]

And what about the weight considerations? A howitzer like the M777 weighs 4.2 tons, while the ATAGS weighs around 18 tons.

 

[Kira]

ULHs will be useful for the terrains where heavier howitzers can't be moved. Have a mix of them.

True, even smaller 105mm has some utility in rugged terrain,where it's difficult to support 155mm guns plus their greater range is redundant due to shorter engagement distances anyways.

 

[neil]

But the ULH were not manufactured or purchased for the fun of it. They exist for a specific and very valid reason. They...are... lightweight. Hence easily deployed in mountain regions, including getting air-deployed by being carried underslung by Chinook helos. You can't do that with the regular 155/52 howitzers. The M777 were purchased for a reason, after all. And they weren't purchased for their fantastic range of fire.

Or have they found another way of aero-lifting or moving the heavy howitzers in the mountains???

This article makes it sound like as if the army just discovered the shortcomings of a ULH today only.

 

[beencensured]

But the ULH were not manufactured or purchased for the fun of it. They exist for a specific and very valid reason. They...are... lightweight. Hence easily deployed in mountain regions, including getting air-deployed by being carried underslung by Chinook helos. You can't do that with the regular 155/52 howitzers. The M777 were purchased for a reason, after all. And they weren't purchased for their fantastic range of fire.

Or have they found another way of aero-lifting or moving the heavy howitzers in the mountains???

This article makes it sound like as if the army just discovered the shortcomings of a ULH today only.

There no need of expensive defective foreign ULH when we got our own ultra lights. Yes, we need them for places where there are no roads and air lift is then only possibility.

 

[beencensured]

But even 155mm dia ULHs are available in 52calibre. In fact our army was to award a contract to upgrade the existing M777s to 52calibre.
Even kalyanis have a ULH 155mmx52cal Bharat52-ER.

You cannot upgrade a foreign gun like that. It has long history of barrel bust, putting more power means more risk for barrel bust.

 

[Sandeep]

There are pros and cons with the ULH and the TGS. While we need the light guns for mountain warfare the only downside is that it has a short range and we need more TGS for long ranges. First start production of the TGS so the bulk of orders start getting delivered and hopefully by a private company like Kalyani. We can always upgrade the ULH but knowing BAE they will always charge a high price. We also have a variety of ULH guns from being mounted or using the 105mm gun which is even lighter and modern.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

True, even smaller 105mm has some utility in rugged terrain,where it's difficult to support 155mm guns plus their greater range is redundant due to shorter engagement distances anyways.

Plus 105 mm shells are lighter, easier to transport in difficult terrain.

 

[Kira]

Plus 105 mm shells are lighter, easier to transport in difficult terrain.

True that,and as I said before, the larger 155mm range advantage is wasted within the confine spaces of mountains. Plus now that the IA seriously wants to induct light tank with a 105mm gun, it makes even more sense to have modern 105mm Howitzers.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

True that,and as I said before, the larger 155mm range advantage is wasted within the confine spaces of mountains. Plus now that the IA seriously wants to induct light tank with a 105mm gun, it makes even more sense to have modern 105mm Howitzers.

IA can develop a 105 mm self-propelled howitzer on the same light tank platform. Or develop a gun-mortar system like the ones Russia uses.....

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

For out of area ops, para ops the 155/39 or 105 guns with infantry battalions may serve some purpose. which ever caliber is inducted The guns should be capable of being air dropped by C-17, IL-76, C-130 and heavy /medium helicopters.

 

[Rajesh]

Good that that they have foccused on a single 155/52 mm gun but we could also use these ulh's wherever the heavier howitziers can't be used( due to terrain constraints). Kalyani has all the variety from 105- 155/39-155/52 guns and we don't need any import if the army shows some compassion towards indian products keeping aside commission. If M777 is needed more then they can be substituted by kalyani's equivalents (both titanium and steel versions)

 

[Kira]

IA can develop a 105 mm self-propelled howitzer on the same light tank platform. Or develop a gun-mortar system like the ones Russia uses.....

Yup, that lobbing trajectory offered by a large mortar be super useful in some scenarios.

 

[shirish47us]

Range is dependent upon availability of suitable deployment areas, thereafter the height of intervening terrain features. Moreover, Counter Bombardment aspects and immediate move to alternate gun positions also need to be kept in mind. As such I am sure, these aspects must have been considered, before selection of any weapon system.