SAI Ammunition and Economic Explosives Set to Conclude Trials of Advanced 155mm Artillery Shells

In a significant milestone for India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem, SAI Ammunition India Ltd and Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL)—a subsidiary of Reliance Infrastructure—are preparing to conduct the final round of developmental trials for their indigenous 155mm artillery shells this November. The trials are scheduled to validate three major variants: High Explosive (HE), Smoke, and Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) shells. Upon successful completion, full-scale mass production is expected to commence immediately, marking a major leap toward India’s long-standing goal of self-reliance in critical artillery munitions.

A New Chapter in Indigenous Artillery Ammunition

The 155mm caliber is the backbone of modern artillery systems worldwide and forms the core of India’s long-range firepower, utilized by platforms like the Dhanush, ATAGS, and M777 ultra-light howitzers. Historically, India has depended heavily on imports or foreign-licensed production for such munitions. However, through its 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative, the Ministry of Defence has pushed aggressively to indigenize these critical supplies.

SAI Ammunition India Ltd—a joint venture between Solar Industries India Ltd and a key foreign partner—and Economic Explosives Ltd, which already has an established track record in explosive and warhead production, are spearheading this indigenization effort. The November trials will be the culmination of years of R&D and multiple phases of internal and user trials.

Technical Overview of Shell Variants

1. 155mm High Explosive (HE):
The HE shell remains the standard workhorse in any artillery unit. Designed to cause maximum fragmentation upon detonation, it uses a pre-formed fragmentation pattern to cover a lethal radius of up to 50 meters, depending on terrain. The Indian HE rounds developed by SAI and EEL are expected to incorporate modular charges and possibly Extended Range Base Bleed (ERBB) technologies, enhancing their range beyond 30 km.

2. 155mm Smoke Shells:
Used to obscure enemy vision, screen troop movements, or mark targets, the smoke shells developed indigenously are reportedly using advanced white phosphorus or hexachloroethane-based compositions. Modern smoke shells also aim to be multi-spectral—capable of blocking not just visible light, but also infrared and laser-guided systems. This would be vital in modern electronic and sensor-dominated warfare.

3. 155mm DPICM (Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munitions):
The DPICM shells represent the most technologically advanced and controversial component of the arsenal. These shells disperse multiple submunitions mid-air over a wide area, each capable of penetrating light armor or disabling enemy personnel. Though usage is restricted under certain international conventions, India has not ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), giving it leeway to develop such systems under its doctrine of minimum force and strategic deterrence. The Indian DPICM is expected to carry dozens of smart submunitions with self-destruct or self-deactivation features to reduce the risk of UXO (unexploded ordnance).

Strategic Importance and Future Roadmap

The ability to mass-produce all three major types of 155mm artillery shells domestically is a major strategic win for India. This reduces dependence on vendors from countries such as Israel, Russia, and France, particularly during emergencies like wartime embargoes or supply chain disruptions. It also enables India to ramp up stockpiles for both peacetime and wartime preparedness without facing foreign limitations.

Furthermore, indigenously developed artillery shells will reduce procurement costs and allow for rapid technological upgrades as requirements evolve. There are also strong export possibilities, especially for HE and smoke variants, to friendly nations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.

The trials will be monitored by the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Army Design Bureau (ADB), and artillery user groups. If successful, it is expected that initial orders for tens of thousands of rounds will be placed under fast-track procurement, potentially even before FY 2026.

India’s push to domestically produce advanced 155mm artillery shells is more than a manufacturing milestone—it is a strategic pivot. With SAI Ammunition and Economic Explosives leading the charge, the country is not only strengthening its defense industrial base but also ensuring its artillery remains potent, modern, and independent. As global geopolitics continue to fluctuate, India’s quest for self-reliant defense capabilities is steadily transforming from vision to reality—one shell at a time.