India enhances military tactics with advanced weaponry deployment

In a strategic move to bolster its long-range, high-precision firepower capacity, the Indian Army has deployed advanced weaponry such as howitzers, missiles, rocket systems, and loiter munitions along the China frontier. This adjustment in military tactics is a direct response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, where artillery fire has accounted for 80 per cent of the casualties, highlighting the critical role of long-range firepower in modern warfare.

The Army's Director General of Artillery, Lt-General Adosh Kumar, recently announced plans to induct 100 additional K-9 Vajra self-propelled tracked gun systems, as well as more Dhanush howitzers, Sharang guns, and Pinaka multi-launch rocket systems, while talking to press persons here in the national capital over the 198th Gunners' Day.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance India's ability to navigate global supply chain disruptions by expanding its domestic ammunition vendor base.

Substantial progress has been achieved in the procurement plans for artillery systems. Some winterised K-9 Vajra regiments are already deployed in eastern Ladakh.

Out of the 100 such guns inducted earlier for Rs 4,366 crore, amid the ongoing military confrontation with China, which is now in its fifth year.

The contract worth around Rs 8,500 crore for 307 new indigenous advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS), which have a range of up to 48 km, is also set to be finalised soon. Moreover, trials will begin next year for the planned induction of 300 shoot-and-scoot mounted gun systems and 400 versatile towed artillery gun systems.