In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its mobile firepower along the high-altitude border regions, particularly the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, the Indian Army is gearing up to acquire 200 newly mounted howitzers equipped with advanced 105 mm guns. Set to be initiated through a ‘Make in India’ project, a tender is poised for release to Indian firms, signaling a pivotal step towards enhancing the country’s indigenous defense capabilities. Asian News International (ANI) reported that that the impending acquisition of these 105 mm 37-caliber mounted howitzers marks a significant milestone for Indian artillery, poised to reinforce the strength of formations deployed in critical forward positions. This move aligns with the Indian Army’s ongoing modernization efforts, driven by a commitment to leverage indigenous capabilities within the nation’s defense industry. Notably, these capabilities have progressed to the extent that Indian firms are now actively exporting such cutting-edge systems to foreign countries.
Among the potential contenders for this crucial acquisition is the Garuda 105 V2, a product of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL). The Indian Army is exploring the prospect of integrating this 105 mm self-propelled howitzer into its arsenal, particularly to augment capabilities in high-altitude warfare zones like Sikkim. The Garuda 105, aptly named the ‘Go Anywhere Gun’ or Mobile Artillery System, stands out as a lightweight, modular, and high-performance howitzer meticulously crafted by KSSL. Distinguished by its ability to provide precision strikes at a lower cost, the Garuda 105 is anticipated to surpass existing weapon systems such as the 106 mm Recoilless Rifle and 120 mm Mortar, along with other 105 mm artillery systems. Leveraging innovative hydraulic systems to minimize recoil, this howitzer represents a breakthrough in adapting a sizable cannon onto a compact platform. The incorporation of emerging technologies positions the Garuda 105 as the benchmark for light artillery, excelling in areas of firepower, tactical mobility, strategic deployability, and command and control.
In the realm of high-altitude warfare, the Garuda Go Anywhere Gun’s weight classification (under 5.5 tons) emerges as a potential game-changer for the Indian Army. Developed in collaboration with the U.S.-based company Mandus, the Garuda 105’s larger variant, the Mandus Hawkeye, has already been dispatched to the United States. Mandus intends to showcase this groundbreaking modular design to the US Army, capitalizing on its lightweight nature and minimal recoil forces, enabling mounting on diverse military vehicles, including wheeled, tracked, rail, watercraft, aircraft, and towed systems. This versatility translates into a performance-oriented 105 mm artillery system that can be deployed across land, sea, and air in unprecedented ways. The Hawkeye Weapon System’s distinctive offering includes a 360-degree field of fire while mounted on lightweight tactical vehicles, further underscoring its adaptability and tactical advantage in various operational scenarios.
Parallel to the acquisition of the 200 mounted howitzers, the Defense Ministry is slated to consider the procurement of 400 new towed guns under the ‘Make in India’ banner. This proposal is poised for discussion in the imminent Defence Acquisition Council meeting scheduled for November 30. The Regiment of Artillery within the Indian Army is keen on leveraging domestic industry expertise to produce the 155mm/52 calibre Towed Gun System. This innovative system aims to be lighter, more versatile, and adaptable to future technological advancements. In alignment with this pursuit, the Indian Army has already set in motion tenders for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and for the acquisition of a mounted gun system tailored for border requirements vis-a-vis China and Pakistan.The diverse array of gun systems includes the Dhanush, Sharang, Ultra Light Howitzer (ULH), and K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Guns. Notably, the Dhanush Guns represent an electronic upgrade from the Bofors Guns, while the Sharang Guns have undergone a transition from 130mm to 155mm calibre.
