Nashik/ Pune: Marking a major milestone towards capacity building and capability enhancement of the Indian Army, the globally combat proven M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers, K-9 Vajra-Tracked Self Propelled Guns and 6x6 Field Artillery Tractors were inducted into the service.
Speaking at the induction ceremony held at Deolali Field Firing Ranges near Nashik, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said many more such systems would be inducted in the Army in the next few years.
“These guns are being inducted almost 30 years after the Bofors guns were inducted,” Sitharaman added.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre, Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat and former Army Chief Gen Deepak Kapoor were also present.
According to Army officials, the 155mm, 39 calibre ultra light howitzers have been procured from the USA under Government to Government Foreign Military Sales and will be assembled in India by BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defence. The gun system is versatile, lightweight and can be heli lifted, thereby providing the much-needed flexibility in employment in various terrains obtainable in the country. The howitzer is in service in the US, Canadian, Australian and some other armies of the world. It has proven its mettle in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The first ten K9 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 balance 90 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 minister said.
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. Dedication of these equipment to the nation also give a major impetus to ‘Make In India’ initiative of the government, Sitharaman added.The event included an impressive display of equipment and firepower by the guns of the Indian artillery. Also on display were indigenous Gun Systems/ Surveillance & Target Acquisition Systems that have been recently introduced in service.
Previous govt delayed procurement process: Sitharaman
The procurement process for the equipment was initiated in 2006 during the previous regime but didn’t advance further, the minister said. “In contrast, our government shrunk the process in the last four years and not only initiated the procurement process but ensured induction,” Sitharaman added.
