The Indian Army is reportedly considering a plan to procure 300 Dhanush 155 mm howitzer systems to strengthen its long-range artillery capabilities and equip additional regimental units, as reported by Defence.in.
Approval of the proposal would represent the second large-scale order for the Dhanush platform. In the initial procurement phase, the Army ordered 114 guns, several of which are already operational with frontline artillery regiments.
An additional 300 systems would significantly expand the Army’s artillery inventory, enabling the formation of new regiments while reinforcing existing units. With a standard artillery regiment operating 18 guns, the proposed purchase could support the establishment of roughly 15 new regiments.
The Dhanush is a 155 mm, 45-caliber towed artillery system built for long-range indirect fire operations. It is designed to function across diverse terrain, including mountainous and high-altitude regions where Indian artillery forces regularly conduct operations.
The system is produced by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and is derived from the Bofors FH‑77B howitzer that entered Indian service in the 1980s. Its development incorporated technology transferred from the original Swedish design, followed by further modifications during the modernization process.
Compared with the earlier Bofors artillery system, the Dhanush incorporates stronger structural materials, an improved recoil mechanism, and digital fire-control and targeting systems that enhance accuracy and firing efficiency.
Reports indicate the howitzer can strike targets at ranges of up to about 38 kilometers (23.6 miles), depending on the type of ammunition and propellant used. This range significantly exceeds that of the earlier 39-caliber Bofors guns, which generally had an effective range of roughly 27 kilometers (16.8 miles). 🎯
