Indian Army New RFI Raises Questions: Open Door for Israeli Gun or Outdated Tech?

Defense News ,India :- The Indian Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) looking for a 155mm/52 calibre Towed Gun System (TGS), which has sparked a debate on whether such artillery is suitable for modern warfare. The focus seems to be on the Israeli ATHOS system, but concerns are raised about the vulnerability of towed guns to evolving threats.

Retired Major General Atanu K. Pattanaik points out that the RFI's weight limit of 15 tonnes favors ATHOS over its indigenous counterpart, the ATAGS, raising concerns about potential bias towards the Israeli system.

Pattanaik highlights the vulnerability of towed guns in the face of evolving threats, especially after the lessons learned from the Ukraine war. Towed guns are increasingly susceptible to counter-battery fire due to faster target acquisition and engagement by advanced long-range weaponry. Their limited mobility makes them vulnerable within a reduced reaction time of 4 minutes, questioning their continued relevance.

Emphasizing the need for vigilance, both in the military and media, Pattanaik warns that relying on outdated technologies like towed guns could hinder India's long-term security goals.

The RFI marks a critical juncture for the Indian Army to reassess its artillery needs, prioritize solutions that align with modern warfare realities, and uphold strategic autonomy aspirations.