Artillery: News & Discussion

RoyG · Post by **RoyG** » 27 May 2015 03:18

Did we ever consider the 105mm atlternative to the M777? The SAfricans came up with the G7.

http://www.aafonline.co.za/news/world-l ... lification

srai · Post by **srai** » 27 May 2015 07:12

Philip wrote:Excellent IDR review.Long feature,ck link for full details.

Dhanush 155mm Artillery Gun: A “Make in India” Marvel

By Danvir Singh
Issue Vol. 30.2 Apr-Jun 2015 | Date : 24 May , 2015
...

Good info on ATAGS. This article confirms that DRDO's 155mm/52 Cal ATAGS is an advanced version of Dhanush!

...
Presently the DRDO is developing 155 mm / 52 Cal Advance Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) that will upgrade the 155 mm / 45 Cal Dhanush in future. The Advance Towed Artillery Guns System (ATAGS), a light-weight long-range automated gun being developed by DRDO with private participation, will be ready for production by 2019 after undergoing six years of development and testing.

Going by the views of experts on gunnery; the physics part of it has proved that a 155mm / 52 Cal is an optimum technical parameter within its class in achieving maximum range with highest accuracy. A sources at the Integrated Head Quarters of the Ministry of Defence, say that the success of 155mm / 42 Cal Dhanush under trial is of paramount importance for the futuristic ATAGS programme. The success of Dhanush in all the major trials held so far has brought in cheers and much needed hope to all those who wish to see indigenisation and self-reliance in defence sector a reality. He further added that Dhanush is 87 percent indigenous baring the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) which is from BAE SYSTEMS and the sighting system from SAGEM. Indian private company FORCE MOTORS is developing an APU which will replace the existing foreign make in times to come.

Extolling the virtues of Dhanush further, sources informed the IDR that this gun system has laid the foundations for India catapulting itself straight on to the world stage. India will soon emerge as a leading Artillery Gun design and manufacturer in the form of evolution of ATAGS, which would be the highly advanced version of Dhanush. It will potentially take over guns in this category in the future. “Its long range, light-weight and automation features will help it immensely. Loading ammunition will be fully automatic, and it will be compatible with various kinds of ammo as well. Private players like Tata, Larsen and Tubro, Bharat Forge have all been roped in to complete the project,” this official added.

He further added that the ATAGS concept design is ready. “It will weigh 12 tonnes — two tonnes lighter than other guns of its category. It will also be capable of shooting off five successive rounds in short duration. Total development will take three years and testing will last for another three.
...

srai · Post by **srai** » 27 May 2015 07:26

RoyG wrote:Did we ever consider the 105mm atlternative to the M777? The SAfricans came up with the G7.

http://www.aafonline.co.za/news/world-l ... lification

Army's new mountain divisions to get light field guns instead of howitzers

Shishir Arya, TNN | May 1, 2012, 04.30AM IST

NAGPUR: As the wait for modern ultralight howitzers gets longer, the Army has apparently decided to arm its two new mountain divisions on the Indo-China border with the old generation 105 light field guns (LFGs).

The Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) at Jabalpur has bagged an order to supply over 150 units of 105-LFGs to the Army over a period of three years starting from May 2010. A source in the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), who was part of the deal, said the order has been hiked on account of increased deployment on the eastern front.

He added that the 155mm ultra light howitzers, which the Army has been scouting for since 2007, would have been the ideal choice as LFGs have now become an obsolete weapon system. The 105 LFGs have a range of 18km while a howitzer covers over double the distance.

A senior official at GCF Jabalpur said that the order was received in 2010 and so far 100 pieces have been delivered. Another 50 are expected to be dispatched this year. The source confirmed that this was the biggest order in the recent past.

The LFG is derived from the 105 Indian field gun (IFG), developed over three decades ago. Experts say that given the changing scenario, howitzers would be a better option than a field gun. However, procurement of the guns has been mired in controversy.

India intends to buy around 140 howitzer guns. Singapore-based ST Kinetics was shortlisted, but has now been blacklisted after a bribery scandal. In fact, similar scandals have put plans to replenish the artillery inventory too on hold.

Former director general of artillery LT General (retd) Vinay Shanker says that this could be a stop gap arrangement. Although a 105 in a mountainous area cannot be the ideal weapon, but it is still better to have something rather than nothing. The procurement of weapon systems is a lengthy process, as the delivery still takes around five to six years after the order is placed. The 105 LFGs can be replaced by the howitzers when they arrive, he said.

According to Colonel US Rathore (retd), an independent defence analyst, howitzers are the ideal choice in a mountainous frontier. Field guns have a lesser lethality as the shells are not so effective, when the defences have time to be strengthened.

Also, howitzers provide a higher trajectory, which is required in a mountainous area. For achieving the same trajectory in a LFG, it has to be moved further from its original position which leads to a compromise in the range. "The Chinese are known for better defences and bunkers, and a 105 shell may not have the desired impact on certain armoured vehicles too," said Rathore.

Also, when it comes to reinforced bunkers the destructive power of 105mm shell is far less than 155mm one.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 27 May 2015 09:59

Why those light tanks with 125mm main guns could also be useful. Is ther eany data available on the sue of MBRLs in the mountains? I think there was some debate about SMERCH some time ago,after it was first inducted. Could MBRLs in addition to the 105mm light field guns add significant firepower.This is what I've been able to find thus far.

Wik.

MRL are still rarely able to properly shoot at rear slope positions in mountain warfare because the MRL crew cannot determine the trajectory as well as a howitzer's crew can do by adding or removing propellant increments. Simple MRL rocket types have a rather long minimum firing range for the same reason. An approach to lessen this limit is the addition of drag rings to the rocket nose. The increased drag slows the rocket down relative to a clean configuration and creates a less flat trajectory. Pre-packaged MRL munitions such as with MLRS do not offer this option, but some MRL types with individually-loaded rockets do.[3]

vina · Post by **vina** » 27 May 2015 13:03

Holy Pakistan!

What they seem to have done with the Dhanush is to jump from 1975 to 2015!

Electronic Suite & Auto Laying
The electronic suite is a module package, combining a hybrid (Inertial+GPS) Navigation System, a Muzzle Velocity Radar (MVR) and powerful Software solving in real time the ballistics for static or moving targets and for any combination of projectile-change available. The Inertial Navigation System (INS) is an extremely precise system determining the elevation and northing angles of the gun. The system corrects automatically the firing for any variation in ammunition, charge or meteorology. Auto laying is adaptable to any orientation and elevation system hydraulically or electronically powered, it provides an effective solution for automatic laying of the gun barrel

Brilliant. This is real time measurement and correcting the next one and real time IT/Vity ballistics computation will ensure deadly accuracy , well on par with the other analogues elsewhere in the world. This along with powered laying will increase the rate of fire as well.

Expect brown salwars across the border in Pakistan.

vina · Post by **vina** » 27 May 2015 14:33

Kalyani Group to Make Jet Engines & Artillery

Watch the interview and shiver in your Dhotis!

vishvak · Post by **vishvak** » 27 May 2015 20:58

The point about oil drilling tech standard is that it is a standard in the industry wherein the oil drilling and tech giants demand % of profits, regardless of whether initial geological data was available or not, or even if discovery is already made. Even Russia had to invite foreign (western) giants at certain places to help with efficiency (and oil drilling went on during the entire Ukrain crisis). In case of India, most of the oil discoveries are made by govt agency (ONGC) or private players though the tech giants demand the same conditions.

This is the state of 'international' cooperation in tech industry.

Why would they want to share the tech and put themselves out of business?

Exactly. And, field artillery guns are a very important part of overall Army defense structure.

Another point is that US domestic tech for shell oil has way fewer standards (compared to international standards and specifications), and it has helped to generate much more oil - practically adding output the size of Iraq in few years from now. In case of artillery, Russia has policy of producing in bulk - guns and artillery pieces - with huge number in supply/reinforcements that has helped Russia in hand.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 27 May 2015 21:46

vina wrote:Kalyani Group to Make Jet Engines & Artillery

Watch the interview and shiver in your Dhotis!

TBH, Kalyani has been making these sort of statements for a decade now. Perhaps now with a new Govt in power, there may actually be some progress as they might get the required support.
Kalyani group can easily supplant/replace the OFB in many areas.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 27 May 2015 22:01

vina, Have they accounted for hypersonic lift at high altitudes in the ballistic computer? At high altitude due to the lower air density the shell acquires more lift based on the Mach number at that time. Solution is reduced charge to slow it down or fire short projectiles as its length dependent also

RoyG · Post by **RoyG** » 27 May 2015 22:37

According to Denel Land Systems, there is no other artillery system in the world with the capabilities of the 105 mm Light Experimental Weapon which includes a maximum range of 30,000 m.

This is similar to that of 155 mm/39 calibre artillery systems with the new 105 mm high-explosive artillery projectile, having a lethal area of 1,900 m2 against targets. This is claimed to be better than a first-generation 155 mm artillery projectile.

http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product1940.html

Not sure about bunkers but cutting down personnel in the open field shouldn't be a problem with newer 105 rounds. I think this may be an area where Kalyani and others should consider tapping into.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 27 May 2015 23:35

RoyG, 30Km range would be powered by unobtanium or lightweight round. Looks like they have a long barrel:52 calibers long. And add 5 more calibers with the muzzle brake.

Essentially they claim their pre-fragmented round would do all that damage over that area of ~2 sq km.
Most likely a number of BBs being dispersed over the area.

US has round called Beehive that is similar.
Old idea was by Col. Shrapnel.

In India context there wont be so many people hovering in the open in the high mountains.

Read the 105mm LFG article linked by srai above.

Basically India needs a howitzer with high angle which the LFG types don't have.

sudeepj · Post by **sudeepj** » 28 May 2015 03:12

srai wrote:
RoyG wrote:Did we ever consider the 105mm atlternative to the M777? The SAfricans came up with the G7.

http://www.aafonline.co.za/news/world-l ... lification
Army's new mountain divisions to get light field guns instead of howitzers
Shishir Arya, TNN | May 1, 2012, 04.30AM IST

NAGPUR: As the wait for modern ultralight howitzers gets longer, the Army has apparently decided to arm its two new mountain divisions on the Indo-China border with the old generation 105 light field guns (LFGs).

...

According to Colonel US Rathore (retd), an independent defence analyst, howitzers are the ideal choice in a mountainous frontier. Field guns have a lesser lethality as the shells are not so effective, when the defences have time to be strengthened.

Also, howitzers provide a higher trajectory, which is required in a mountainous area. For achieving the same trajectory in a LFG, it has to be moved further from its original position which leads to a compromise in the range. "The Chinese are known for better defences and bunkers, and a 105 shell may not have the desired impact on certain armoured vehicles too," said Rathore.

Also, when it comes to reinforced bunkers the destructive power of 105mm shell is far less than 155mm one.

The OFB 105mm LFG is a howitzer, its a field gun only in name. It has an elevation of 70+ degrees, which is even higher than that of the Bofors Howitzer.
http://ofbindia.gov.in/products/data/weapons/wlc/3.htm

The 105mm fragmentation shell is a potent weapon against soft targets. The only weapon the gun may not be able to deploy is a cargo round. Considering the absence of static defenses on the Chinese border, and the guns weight of only 2.4 tons, its an excellent weapon in mountains. Its actually heli capable compared to the M777 even with the choppers we have today! With smart rounds and a longer barrel, this gun can live on for a long time to come.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 28 May 2015 07:42

the OFB should be able to take the design and substitute some better/lighter parts and network electronics to make it upg.
we could probably buy 5 x 105mm locally than 1 x m777. we need vast numbers - mountain warfare soaks up resources like a sponge due to lack of mobility and need to fire way more rounds. 145 is a joke, 1450 would barely dent the problem its a 2000km of front.

I was studying the ORBAT of the OIF formations and many of them like USMC (mix of 105 and m777) and 82nd/1st airborne (105) still have the 105 caliber. its only the blue blooded mechanised divs that rely entirely on SP 155 M109 as they must for long range mobile warfare.

the TSPA have scored a home run by getting 100s of M109 for free over the years. these are going to give a lot of pain, backed up by chinese supplied WLRs. we still have our thumbs stuck deep where the sun does not shine on SP arty and truck arty front. if its going to be the K9 panther and Archer fh77B05 so be it, but get moving. and the paris have efficiently got samsung tech win to setup a 155mm ammo plant years ago. our nalanda plant is in "process of completion" since before my son was born, and he is nearly 11 now!!

those C17s will come in handy to airlift emergency stocks from israel and korea

vaibhav.n · Post by **vaibhav.n** » 28 May 2015 10:05

ramana wrote:vina, Have they accounted for hypersonic lift at high altitudes in the ballistic computer? At high altitude due to the lower air density the shell acquires more lift based on the Mach number at that time. Solution is reduced charge to slow it down or fire short projectiles as its length dependent also

Artillery firing tables for mountain use are separate. AFAIK beyond 10k feet even rifles shoot the round higher and have to be rezeroed.

vaibhav.n · Post by **vaibhav.n** » 28 May 2015 10:16

105 are good guns esp the LFG with its lighter alloy barrel.

However, they cannot use a whole gamut of modern more accurate rounds like boat tail, extended range base bleed to gps ones to give varied trajectories for which these guns are charge case dependent in addition to being man intensive. On the other hand these guns are probably the only ones to fire HESH rounds in a direct fire role.

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 28 May 2015 16:25

The best thing about the IFG is, it can be transported on a mule pack.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 28 May 2015 16:47

Are you sure of the Mule pack?

Cause IIRC, the 75MM Mountain Guns were only Mule Pack Guns in the IA.

sudeepj · Post by **sudeepj** » 28 May 2015 18:00

ShauryaT wrote:The best thing about the IFG is, it can be transported on a mule pack.

Cant be mule packed. The barrel alone weighs 400kg. But a heli lift under the Mi17 is certainly possible.

ShauryaT · Post by **ShauryaT** » 28 May 2015 18:46

Pratyush wrote:Are you sure of the Mule pack?

Cause IIRC, the 75MM Mountain Guns were only Mule Pack Guns in the IA.

Read this at this post at defense forum india, could be wrong. it would be in parts.

105mm Indian field Gun will remain in Indian Army in mass specially in Mountain terrain that is because it can be transported by mules in parts to some of the inaccessible posts over LOC as well as LAC,

http://defenceforumindia.com/forum/thre ... uns.52945/

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 May 2015 19:16

vaibhav.n wrote:
ramana wrote:vina, Have they accounted for hypersonic lift at high altitudes in the ballistic computer? At high altitude due to the lower air density the shell acquires more lift based on the Mach number at that time. Solution is reduced charge to slow it down or fire short projectiles as its length dependent also
Artillery firing tables for mountain use are separate. AFAIK beyond 10k feet even rifles shoot the round higher and have to be rezeroed.

Vaibhav.n Thanks for the info.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 29 May 2015 15:00

Ck out Karnad's latest piece posted in the IN td,about US carrier tech being touted and the LH's,the acquisition of which he has a bone to pick with. Could be reposted here too.

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 29 May 2015 17:25

Philip wrote:Ck out Karnad's latest piece posted in the IN td,about US carrier tech being touted and the LH's,the acquisition of which he has a bone to pick with. Could be reposted here too.

Thanks for pointing the article out, the author overlooks certain key data on the first portion...I have replied in the IN thread..

vaibhav.n · Post by **vaibhav.n** » 29 May 2015 21:10

Bharat Karnad is a dinosaur who has had the hotts for Roosy maal like no other. He cried rivers when the Mig lost the MMRCA downselect.

His prediction during the MMRCA was......

Whatever the merits and demerits of the aircraft in the fray and the other allurements offered by the supplier states, the Gripen, Rafale, and Typhoon are unlikely to make it to the shortlist.

Then gives us this nugget......

The Russian military cooperation with India has also been predicated on the joint need to deal with the common Chinese threat. Buying the F-16 or F-18 will upset Moscow, which perceives the MMRCA decision as something of a litmus test of its continued good standing with India. By way of raising the costs to India of making the wrong choice, the tourniquet of spares and servicing support could be applied across the board, resulting in a rapid degrading of the readiness aspects of the Indian military. Indian armed forces still depend on Russia for about 70 percent of their equipment needs. The souring of the Russian attitude towards India, moreover, may have other consequences as well, such as a cutback in the Russian involvement in many high value military technology collaboration projects, raising of the acquisition costs of other items, and delays in the contracted delivery of, say, the nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarine Akula on lease, and the aircraft carrier Gorshkov.

Good Friends?????

The General Staff, Artillery Branch, a decade ago recommended the standardisation of the fine, locally-produced, Dhanush 155mm/45 calibre howitzer across categories—towed, self-propelled, wheeled, tracked, and truck-mounted. This recommendation was endorsed by the army’s Northern, Eastern, Central, and Western Commands who vouched for this gun’s employability in the remotest areas.

Factually incorrect, it is well known that the FARP mentions the caliber to be standardized at 155/52 Cal as early as 1995. The CAG report corroborates it.

Besides a decade ago, Dhanush was on paper and everyone and their aunt was itching for Weapons Trials.

For that matter why did the MoD under MP issue RFP's for 155/52 Cal MGS or did DRDO continue with ATAGS??

The obsolete 120mm gun (8 regiments) apart. The 97-odd artillery regiments are pretty up-to-date featuring, besides the sensor-fused Dhanush, the Grad, Pinaka, and Smerch multi-barrel rocket launchers, the Brahmos (Block II) cruise missile, and the extraordinarily destructive point and area weapon—the Prahar missile.

So much for actual numbers, we have (180) Field and Medium Regiments not 97 and (25) 120mm Mortar Light Regiments.

Most not anywhere near up-to-date.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 31 May 2015 12:29

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/new ... 483979.cms
Pinaka Mark-II rocket successfully test-fired

"Pinaka Mark-II trials were successfully tested in Pokhran field firing range near Indo-Pak border. Target was successfully hit in Keru area which was situated 55 km from the firing point," said the Defence sources.
......
According to the sources "the ongoing developmental trials at Pokhran range in western Rajasthan by Army and scientists of DRDO was to test the advance stage of development of Pinaka Mark-II weapon system with upgraded version of software".

The development and trials will continue and the rocket is expected to enter service any time now, they said.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 31 May 2015 19:57

Leave aside Karnad's meanderings about possible Russian shyness about malware supplies to us,It won't happen becos Russia is ever wary about the Chinese mil ambitions,why the PRC always gets inferior versions of malware supplied to us,Vietnam,etc..

The main point,and it is a very valid point he made out which many on BRF have also concurred with,is the astroniomical cost of a single large N-powered carrier with EMALS and all the bells and whistles. It does not matter from which nation the tech is coming from,American or Russian.Such expenditure on a single platform,which also requires its supporting cast,will beggar not just the IN but have its budgetary effect on the other two services! Yet again the vulnerability of large noisy carriers to small silent stealthy subs came as a rude shock to the USN which has been operating for some time a middle-aged Swedish diesel sub in training against assymetric maritime warfare in the littorals. The Swedish sub reportedly "sank" USN carriers and warships several times. China which will by 2020 possess a sub force of approx. 80 subs,in addition to the 12+ new AIP subs that Pak will possess,will be a real handful for the IN to deal with,why building another Vikrant class CV is afar better interim solution.This is the arty td. so ending this topic now!

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 31 May 2015 20:22

unfortunately sea control, maritime interdiction and strike need carriers not subs.

we should avoid n-power and even the emals if it cannot be done without n-power.

Abhay_S · Post by **Abhay_S** » 01 Jun 2015 01:50

What is the news on Kalyani groups Bharat 52 gun? in an interview Baba Kalyani metions its ready but awaiting orders.

Thakur_B · Post by **Thakur_B** » 01 Jun 2015 06:53

Army has issued RFI to identify Indian firms to make 122mm ER rockets for Grad.
http://indianarmy.nic.in/Site/FormTempl ... DBO3T4jQ==

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 01 Jun 2015 08:32

Hmm, this is the first step in the long road to break the monopoly of OFB, it terms of suppliying domestically sourced armanents to the IA.

Fingers crossed for its sucess.

Sid · Post by **Sid** » 01 Jun 2015 08:49

Pratyush wrote:Hmm, this is the first step in the long road to break the monopoly of OFB, it terms of suppliying domestically sourced armanents to the IA.

Fingers crossed for its sucess.

Although OT, but a private MIC survives on always wanting customers and conflicts.

Think about what you wish for

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 01 Jun 2015 08:54

I know, bt it is better to have a domestic MIC benefiting from an Indian coflict, as opposed to a forign MIC.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 01 Jun 2015 09:19

Sid wrote:
Pratyush wrote:Hmm, this is the first step in the long road to break the monopoly of OFB, it terms of suppliying domestically sourced armanents to the IA.

Fingers crossed for its sucess.
Although OT, but a private MIC survives on always wanting customers and conflicts.

Think about what you wish for

Private MIC does want conflicts at home near manufacturing bases, it will move the conflict half world away. hows that for comparisons.

If you have capability which is too strong nobody wants to fight you at home.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 01 Jun 2015 15:46

@Sid sir,

Arms are purchased more in peace time and we fought almost a war a decade since 1947, all of which started by our neighbors. There is a war round corner for us always and will be unless by some miracle they change.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 03 Jun 2015 23:36

BAE prepares M777 offset package for India.

BAE Systems is preparing a wide-ranging offset package - focused on localised defence production - to support its anticipated contract to supply the Indian Army with 145 M777 155 mm/39 calibre lightweight howitzer guns, the company has confirmed to IHS Jane's .

Complying with India's defence offset rules, the M777 offset programme will be worth 30% of the agreed value of the contract, which is expected to be about USD700 million, and will be channeled through industrial accords between BAE Systems and around 40 Indian companies.

A company spokesperson confirmed that these partnerships will facilitate the production in India of a variety of BAE Systems defence products for national and international programmes.

In addition, BAE Systems has offered to transfer its M777 assembly, integration, and test (AIT) facilities from the United States to India. An industry partner to support the provision of AIT activities is expected to be announced in the second half of 2015 with associated costs for the transfer included in the purchase contract.

India's procurement of the M777s, along with Selex Laser Inertial Artillery Pointing Systems (LINAPS), was approved by the Indian Ministry of Defence in May. The purchase will progress through the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, with the guns operated by the Indian Army's 17 Mountain Strike Corps, which is being formed for deployment along the disputed border with China.

"Our approach in the M777 offset proposal has been to tap into our diverse businesses, with their range of requirements to open opportunities for the Indian supply chain across our air, land, and sea programmes both locally and globally," the company said in a statement to IHS Jane's .

"In line with [India's] offset policy, the latest package - of over USD210 million - envisages investing in approximately 40 Indian defence suppliers across the country with an emphasis on the [state-owned] defence public sector undertakings and the medium, small, and micro enterprises sector.

"[This] reflects our commitment to India and confidence in our track record of fulfilling offset commitments around the world. Our offset partners in the offer for M777 will be diverse in both geographical spread and product categories."

Under the AIT package, BAE Systems' selected partner will undertake end-production of the gun system as well as assembly and maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The facility will also undertake similar activities for any export orders of the gun. BAE Systems' existing M777 AIT facility is located at Hattiesburg, Mississippi, where around 70% of the howitzer's assembly is completed.

Following the transfer of the AIT facility to India, however, some key parts of the gun will continue to be produced outside India. IHS Jane's has previously reported, for instance, that the M777 titanium barrel and associated recoil components will be imported from the BAE Systems plant at Barrow-in-Furness in the United Kingdom.

srai · Post by **srai** » 04 Jun 2015 06:29

^^^

So looks like another gun assembly factory will be shifting to India. First one was Kalyani buying GC-45 plant and relocating that to India. Now if this deal goes through M777 AIT will be relocated to India too. On top of this, OFB has Bofors/Dhanush assembly line. Things are on the way up.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 04 Jun 2015 06:53

the kalyani GC-45 should also be given orders to keep 2 production lines running. we just cannot rely on one OFB as a monopoly. the army needs so many howitzers the faster the better. if IAF can operate some 5 types of fighters, the IA should be able to handle 2 types of 155mm. the ammo is common.

abhik · Post by **abhik** » 04 Jun 2015 09:02

So essentially no significant component of the M777 will actually be made in India. Another win for 'Screwdriver in India'.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 04 Jun 2015 09:24

The Kalyani Bharat 52, is a made in India product, as is the OFB 155 MM. But the M 777, is Screw in India product. The MOD should insist that the titanium barrel assembly along with the recoil mech is transferred to India as well.

Else the deal should be canned.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 04 Jun 2015 11:02

While I think the M-777 deal is far from ideal. given our requirements like 105 mm gun, once you move the aseembly line, you start to move the critical components slowly into India.

partha · Post by **partha** » 04 Jun 2015 11:04

Last known status of Kalyani gun was that it was waiting for permission from UPA govt for use of artillery testing ranges for testing. I don't think that gun has been tested yet.