Los esfuerzos para la modernización de los sistemas de artillería del Ejército de India se enfocan principalmente en desarrollos propios, tal cual lo establece el Programa “Made in India” que impulsa la autonomía tecnológica y productiva para su Base Industrial de Defensa. Los principales sistemas de artillería que se están incorporando o que recibirían mejoras son: los ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Ground System – 155 mm / L52) del cual se completaría provisión de 307 unidades en este año; el incremento de alcance de sus cohetes Pinaka a más de 90km y aumentar la flota de vehículos de Artillería Autopropulsados SPH K9 Vajra hasta llegar a las 200 unidades para fines de 2025. Más poder de fuego, más movilidad y más alcance para un Ejército que se prepara para enfrentar los desafíos futuros.
The Indian Army is advancing its artillery modernisation efforts by focusing on indigenous platforms like the Pinaka rocket system, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery systems. These measures align with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, showcasing a push toward self-reliance in defence.
The Pinaka rocket system, a symbol of India’s indigenous defence capabilities, has seen its range extended to 72 kilometres, with ongoing efforts to increase it further to 90 kilometres and beyond.
Speaking at his annual press conference, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi addressed questions about Pinaka’s future enhancements, saying that work is underway to develop ammunition with greater range.
“If the extended-range ammunition meets our requirements, we may not need other long-range systems. Pinaka could become our primary focus,” General Dwivedi said.
Sources suggest that the system’s range could eventually be extended to 120 kilometres, surpassing the current 90-kilometre range of the Russian-origin Smerch system. This would position Pinaka as a formidable weapon in the Army’s arsenal, capable of delivering precision strikes over longer distances.
Atags procurement in final stages
The Army is also advancing the procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a state-of-the-art 155mm howitzer developed indigenously. The acquisition of 307 ATAGS guns, worth Rs 8,000 crore, is expected to be finalised by March 2025.
These guns boast a range of up to 45 kilometres and are being adapted into Mounted Gun Systems (MGS) by integrating them onto trucks. Trials for the MGS are slated to conclude by 2026.
“We aim to sign the ATAGS contract by the end of this fiscal year,” General Dwivedi confirmed.
K9 Vajra expansion
Additionally, the Army plans to bolster its fleet of K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery systems. The existing 100 K9 Vajra guns, which have proven their effectiveness in desert, plain, and high-altitude conditions such as Ladakh, will be complemented by an additional 100 units by the end of 2025.
These developments underline the Army’s commitment to indigenous solutions, aligning with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The enhanced Pinaka system, combined with ATAGS and K9 Vajra, signifies a leap forward in India’s artillery modernisation, ensuring that the Army remains well-prepared to meet future challenges.
Fuente: https://www.indiatoday.in
