Indian Army Floats ₹6,500 Crore Tender for 400 Indigenous Howitzers to Boost Firepower
The Indian Army has taken another step in advancing its firepower capabilities by issuing a ₹6,500 crore tender for 400 indigenously developed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzers. This move aligns with the government’s Make-in-India initiative and highlights the push toward self-reliance in defense technology. The tender, issued under the Buy Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM) category, aims to harness the expertise of domestic defense companies to produce a lighter and more versatile artillery system for future warfare needs.
Indigenous Manufacturing Drive
The tender invites bids from major Indian defense players such as Bharat Forge, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Adani Defense, and the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The procurement is aimed at creating a new generation of towed artillery gun systems (TAGS) designed to meet the Indian Army’s operational requirements in challenging terrains, including high-altitude areas like those along the borders with China and Pakistan.
These 155 mm/52 calibre howitzers are expected to replace aging systems and provide enhanced range, accuracy, and mobility. The focus is on producing a system that is lighter than the existing Bofors guns, making it easier to deploy and maneuver in mountainous regions. The guns will be equipped with state-of-the-art targeting systems and will cater to future technological advancements, ensuring they remain effective in evolving combat scenarios.
Strategic Procurement for Modernization
This tender is part of the Army’s broader Mediumisation plan, which involves replacing outdated artillery with modern, indigenous systems. The aim is to complete this transition by 2042. Notably, this is not the first time the Army has sought new artillery systems. In the past decade, the Army has concluded four contracts for the procurement of 155 mm howitzers. These systems have already been inducted, and several regiments have been equipped with them.
In parallel, the Army has issued another tender for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and a mounted gun system, further emphasizing its focus on enhancing artillery capabilities. The ATAGS, designed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a major leap in India’s defense technology and has already undergone extensive trials.
Future Prospects and Challenges
The procurement process for these 400 howitzers will be crucial in determining the future of India’s artillery regiments. The competition among Indian defense firms is expected to be intense, as they vie to prove their technical capabilities and production capacity. The Army’s emphasis on lighter, indigenous solutions reflects the operational challenges it faces, especially in high-altitude zones where mobility is key.
The indigenous development of these systems not only strengthens India’s strategic autonomy but also showcases the growing maturity of its defense manufacturing sector. If executed successfully, this project could set a precedent for future large-scale procurements under the Make-in-India initiative, positioning India as a significant player in the global defense industry.
