The Indian Army's Request for Information (RFI) for a 155mm/52 calibre Towed Gun System (TGS) has prompted discussion over the relevance of this type of artillery in contemporary warfare. The move seems to be made specifically for the Israeli ATHOS system, but towed guns' vulnerability to new threats is still a cause for concern.
Major General Atanu K. Pattanaik (Retd) emphasises that the ATHOS, which weighs less than its indigenous cousin, the ATAGS, benefits from the RFI's weight limit of 15 tonnes. This gives rise to suspicions about possible bias towards the Israeli system.
Pattanaik highlights the sobering conclusion drawn from the battle in Ukraine: towed guns are more vulnerable to counter-battery fire because sophisticated long-range weapons can engage targets more quickly. Their vulnerability within the reduced reaction time of 4 minutes is heightened by their limited mobility, which raises concerns about their continued usefulness.
In order to maintain strategic autonomy, the general stresses how crucial it is for the military and media to remain vigilant. He issues a warning that India's long-term security objectives may be hampered by depending on outdated technologies like tow guns.
The Indian Army should use this RFI as a critical opportunity to reassess its artillery requirements and rank options that best suit the demands of both strategic autonomy and modern warfare.
