In a major capacity-building and enhancement push that came nearly three decades after the induction of Bofors, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday inducted three major artillery gun systems, including the globally combat-proven US M 777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers, into the Army.
The other artillery gun systems inducted into the Army at a dedication ceremony held at Deolali Field Firing Ranges near Nashik in north Maharashtra were: South Korea-made K-9 Vajra-Tracked Self-Propelled Guns and 6 x 6 Field Artillery Tractors into the Army.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and dignitaries from the Government of USA and South Korea, senior serving officers of the Indian Army and Ministry of Defence, representatives of Manufacturing Industries were present at the induction ceremony.
The equipment induction ceremony comes in the run-up to the establishment the first regiment- comprising of about 18 guns- each of the M777s and the Vajra which is expected to take place in mid next year.
The 155mm, 39 Calibre Ultra light Howitzers have been procured from USA under Government to Government Foreign Military Sales and will be assembled in India by BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence.
“The 155 mm M777 Ultra Light Howitzers are procured from the Govt of USA. 25 guns are coming in while 120 being assembled & integrated in India. Can be air-lifted to areas devoid of roads & tracks. Negotiations started in 2006, gathered steam in the last 3 years,” Sitharaman tweeted.
According to a defence spokesperson, this gun System is versatile, light weight and can be heli-lifted, thereby providing the much needed flexibility in deployment in various terrains. The Howitzer is in service in the US, Canadian, Australian and Some other armies of the world. It has proven its mettle in difficult areas of Afghanistan and Iraq.
The first ten K-9 Vajra 155mm/52 calibre guns have been imported from Hanwha Techwin of South Korea in Semi Knocked Down state and have been assembled by L&T in India.
The remaining ninety Guns will be largely manufactured in India with some major assemblies coming from South Korea. Its induction will give a huge fillip to the firepower capability of Indian Army on our western borders.
“The K9 Vajra, 155mm 52 Calibre Tracked Gun is procured from S. Korea. Not a hybrid between a tank & a gun barrel but designed as a Self Propelled Gun. Ten guns assembled in India and ninety will be manufactured here,” Sitharaman tweeted.
The 6x6 Field Artillery Tractor has been indigenously developed by Ashok Leyland and will provide the much awaited replacement for the ageing fleet of artillery gun towing vehicles.
Speaking on the occasion, Sitharaman said: “Dedication of these equipment to the nation also give a major impetus to ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government".
Sitharaman said that the procurement process for the equipment was initiated in 2006 during the Congress regime but didn't advance further. However, the BJP-led NDA government expedited the process after it assumed office in 2014.
"It is after 30 years that we are procuring such guns. Under the new government since 2014, procurement of Army equipment has been expedited. Under the PM's guidance, negotiations were started and within four years we inducted these guns and many more will be inducted in the future,” the minister said.
An impressive display of equipment and a firepower demonstration by the guns of the Indian Army was held as part of the equipment dedication ceremony. Also on display were indigenous Gun Systems/Surveillance & Target Acquisition Systems that have been recently introducedin service.