In a move to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities, the Indian Army is set to modernize 800 of its 105mm field guns with a new recoil system developed by the Field Gun Factory in Kanpur.
This initiative will breathe new life into these vital pieces of military hardware, ensuring their continued service for decades to come.
Field guns, crucial for providing fire support to ground troops, rely heavily on a robust recoil mechanism to maintain stability and accuracy. The recoil system absorbs the immense shock generated during firing, preventing the gun from becoming dislodged or losing its aim.
The existing 105mm field guns, manufactured in the 1970s, have begun to show their age, with their recoil systems nearing the end of their service life.
Recognizing the importance of these guns, which are deployed across various terrains including mountainous borders, the Ministry of Defence tasked the Field Gun Factory with developing a new and improved recoil system.
After rigorous testing and successful Army trials, the factory is now ready to commence the modernization process.
"The 105 mm field gun is one of the most trusted pieces of military hardware for the Indian Army," said Ehtesham Akhtar, general manager of the Field Gun Factory. "We have begun manufacturing an improved version of the recoil system to replace the older models, ensuring these guns will remain operational for many more decades."
The factory plans to install the new recoil systems at its Kanpur facility, where the guns will also undergo a comprehensive fitness assessment. This modernization program is expected to begin next year.
These 105mm field guns, with a firing range of 17.2 km, are versatile weapons capable of firing a variety of shells, including high explosive (HE), high explosive squash head (HESH), high explosive anti-tank (HEAT), and smoke shells.
Their relatively lightweight design, at approximately 3,400 kg, allows for airlifting when necessary, making them adaptable to diverse operational environments.
This modernization effort underscores the Indian Army's commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced and robust artillery force, capable of meeting the challenges of modern warfare.
The revitalized 105mm field guns will undoubtedly continue to play a critical role in safeguarding India's security interests.
