Artillery Corps: News & Discussion

[uddu]

India’s Electromagnetic Railgun: The Future Of Artillery | Defence Dynamics
The Indian Army is exploring one of the most advanced weapon systems ever developed by DRDO, the electromagnetic railgun. During a visit to ARDE Pune, the Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Defence was briefed on this ambitious project. Unlike conventional artillery that relies on chemical propellants, a railgun uses powerful electromagnetic force to launch a solid projectile at hypersonic speeds of nearly Mach 6. With this programme, India joins a small group of nations working on operational railgun technology. While challenges remain in power generation and material durability, DRDO says key enabling technologies are already in place, with battlefield integration expected in the coming decade.

[sudhan]

...
May we know the questions?

Very noob questions, Ramana ji. Almost ashamed to ask here. Since I don't have any engineering background whatsoever.

But valuing knowledge more than shame here are a few...

Is it like an add-on 'kit' which can be added on to existing shells (not exactly alike but along the lines of the JDAM). If yes, can be done on the field? Also does it require any changes to the firing gun? If yes then can the gun be reconfigured quickly (in the field) to fire regular shells.

Or is it a modification which needs to be 'manufactured in' during the shell production stage.

What effect does it have on

a) storage - do these shells/the add on require special (additional) care in storage and transport (including packaging)?

b) shelf life - any difference in the shelf life of the shell and the add on kit (if they are different units). If yes can newer add on kit be added on to the older shells. And vice versa.

Added - my thoughts are that it is a very good development and very, very welcome. Hoping that all concerned stay on the R&D path to implementation and improvement. If it is a costly system then use it as tip of the spear, if not then use it as a volley of spears. But use it.

My 2 paisa..

- This will most likely not be an add on kit (like the excalibur guidance kits) there is most likely some kind of sealing needed to ensure the shell doesnt separate from the ramjet base immediately on firing.. would be interesting to know how this is actually done

- This would mean some special handling requirements with slightly stricter protection protocols for the rounds, like, better environmental seals for storage and transportation. Definitely some logistics change needed.

- Shelf life would be a factor too, IMHO, and as per my first statement, this would not be field replaceable...

Happy to be corrected on the above..

[Manish_P]

I think so too.

The images shared in earlier posts hint at it.

More info will come out in due course.

Exciting times for Indian artillery

[pravula]

Its likely similar to JDAM conversion kits. Needs to be mounted at a factory using existing shells. Not field modified like excalibur kits.

[uddu]

Its likely similar to JDAM conversion kits. Needs to be mounted at a factory using existing shells. Not field modified like excalibur kits.

IIT-M variant is like that

While there is another version from DRDO which is much more like a mini Brahmos
https://www.indiandefensenews.in/2025/0 ... wered.html

[srin]

Below is the video that explains everything. This replaces the base bleed with the ramjet. The air scoop is at the rear. Essentially, you can screw the ramjet part onto any 155mm shell. Amazing !

India Leads the World in Ramjet Shell Technology

India may have just rewritten the future of artillery warfare. In this exclusive conversation with Chakra News, Lieutenant General P. R. Shankar reveals how India became the first country to successfully fire a ramjet-powered artillery shell. Unlike global designs that trade firepower for range, this breakthrough uses a rear-intake, modular ramjet attachment that fits existing 155 mm shells. Developed through a rare Army–IIT collaboration, this innovation could redefine long-range firepower, logistics, and battlefield dominance.

[ramana]

...
May we know the questions?

Very noob questions, Ramana ji. Almost ashamed to ask here. Since I don't have any engineering background whatsoever.

But valuing knowledge more than shame here are a few...

Is it like an add-on 'kit' which can be added on to existing shells (not exactly alike but along the lines of the JDAM). If yes, can be done on the field? Also does it require any changes to the firing gun? If yes then can the gun be reconfigured quickly (in the field) to fire regular shells.

Or is it a modification which needs to be 'manufactured in' during the shell production stage.

What effect does it have on

a) storage - do these shells/the add on require special (additional) care in storage and transport (including packaging)?

b) shelf life - any difference in the shelf life of the shell and the add on kit (if they are different units). If yes can newer add on kit be added on to the older shells. And vice versa.

Added - my thoughts are that it is a very good development and very, very welcome. Hoping that all concerned stay on the R&D path to implementation and improvement. If it is a costly system then use it as tip of the spear, if not then use it as a volley of spears. But use it.

a)The current base bleed motor is factory-installed by the shell assembler. So this ramjet module is a plug-and-play replacement for the base bleed motor and will also be factory-installed.

Current base bleed motor cross section view.



The storage and transport will be similar to the base bleed motor, as the propellant is the same.
b)Should be the same as the base bleed shells for reasons already stated.

c)The module should cost the same as the base bleed shell. In fact, the cost of machining should be lower as there is no need for the intricate angle drilled nozzles and they can be replaced with a large nozzle for the ramjet.

[ramana]

Lt Gen Shankar says it's field modification and not factory installation.

I was incorrect.

[Manish_P]

Field modification

Wow. That's a proper game changer.

Hoping they stay the course to full implementation across the spectrum.

[Manish_P]

SSS defence founder had made a post referencing 'Jawab-e-hind'. An Indian answer. Referring to origins of excellent Damascus steel swords made by using ancient Indian metallurgy.

This Ramjet shell will go right to my personal list of 'Jawab-e-Hind'.

The SMART torpedo system is the other item in that list.

Hopefully the list will be a 'Navratna' list in the next few years