Indian Army Enhances Artillery Power with Lessons from Ukraine and Russia

The Indian Army is seeking niche technology to enhance its artillery firepower and prepare for protracted wars, drawing lessons from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The effective use of niche technology, such as loiter munitions, swarm drones, and the Starlink communication system, has been observed in the war. The role of firepower has been reaffirmed as a battle-winning factor, with nearly 80% of casualties attributed to artillery fire. The Army aims to have a judicious mix of rockets and guns in its inventory, emphasizing the need for better precision and terminally guided munitions. Additionally, battlefield transparency and effective sensor-to-shooter links are crucial for target acquisition and engagement. The Army is in the process of inducting new artillery systems and has issued a Request For Proposal for advanced towed artillery guns.