The Indian Army's ambitious plan to induct 114 indigenously developed Dhanush artillery guns by March 2026 is facing significant hurdles due to production delays, according to officials close to the project. The setbacks raise concerns about the timely modernization of the Army's artillery capabilities.
Advanced Weapon Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), the manufacturer responsible for producing the Dhanush guns at the Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) in Jabalpur, has struggled to meet delivery targets. While the first batch of six guns was handed over in April 2019, subsequent production was hampered by a shortage of critical spare parts, leading to a production halt.
As of 2024, only one regiment equipped with the Dhanush system is operational, deployed along the northern borders with China. While Army sources remain hopeful that the remaining regiments will be delivered by 2026, concerns are growing about meeting this deadline.
The Dhanush, a 155 mm, 45-calibre towed artillery gun, boasts a range of 36 kilometers, extendable to 38 kilometers with specialized ammunition. As an upgraded version of the Bofors FH 77 gun, a reliable workhorse in the Indian Army's arsenal, the Dhanush is expected to significantly enhance firepower. Notably, the gun has 80% indigenous content, aimed at simplifying maintenance and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
The slow pace of Dhanush gun deliveries comes at a time when the Indian Army is actively seeking to enhance its artillery capabilities. In addition to the Dhanush, the army is also in the process of procuring other 155mm gun systems, including the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), the Mounted Gun System (MGS), and the Towed Gun System (TGS). It has already commissioned 100 K9 Vajra-T guns, highlighting the ongoing efforts to modernize its artillery.
