Lack of indigenisation policy forces import of Russian guns

The inability to locally produce the FH 177 Bofors 155mm Howitzer, as well as the 105 mm field gun, has neccessitated an import in excess of the stipulated replacement of 130 mm guns.

Studies reveal that the problems that led to the current import is rooted in the incapacity of Indian policy to cushion the industry beset by a host of problems including the Bofors scandal and funds crunch.

Army projections show the required additional FH 177 howitzers were to be manufactured at the Bharat Earth Movers Ltd plant in Kolar Gold Fields, near Bangalore. But, despite the incorpation of the technology transfer agreement in the Bofors contract to indigenise the produce, the scandal prohibited the affecting of the required manufacture.

And, this inspite of the groundwork for the indigenisation programme having been completed and 17 acres earmarked for setting up manufacturing facilities.

The inability of the Ordnance Factory Board, similarly, to productionise the 105 mm field gun has also led to a shortfall in the hardware available to Artillery units. The 105 mm field gun was slated to replace the reliable and battle-worthy 75/24 mountain gun, but its non-availability cancelled that project. This led to an evaluation within the Army of systems available and their combat roles in the decades to come. A 1980s study highlighted the applicability of a medium gun as a futuristic close support gun for warfare in the plains.

In this context the acquisition of 130 mm guns heralds a conceptual change in the role of the artillery marked by an increasing usage of medium guns, when in its full spectrum it comprises light, field, medium and heavy guns.Thus the unavailability of indigenous 105 mm field guns coupled with shift towards the medium gun, with its attractive Rs 14 lakh price tag swung the decision in favour of the Russian 130 mm medium gun system. The decision to import the 130 mm medium guns was taken during the tenure of late Gen BC Joshi.

It was felt that when the 130 mm system was at the ready disposal of the Artillery, problems relating to spares, servicing, maintenance and other engineering requirements would be minimised, South Block sources reveal.Instead of the 105 mm field gun it is now the 130 mm medium gun which will replace the older guns during the 9th Plan. Although the 130 mm medium gun is regarded by many as a poor substitute for the 75/24 mountain gun it is, however, the only choice now available.

Inducted into service during the 1960s the 130 mm gun is a flat trajectory weapon with a minimum range of four kms and a maximum range of 29 kms.