Article Posted on : - Aug 24, 2009

The Army will acquire the guns at a cost of Rs 20,000 crore.

NEW DELHI (BNS): Indian Army’s artillery modernisation programme has got a shot in the arm with the Defence Acquisition Council giving its nod to acquire 814 motorised howitzers, according to a media report here.

India will float a global tender to acquire an off-the-shelf purchase of 200 155mm/52-calibre mounted gun systems from abroad, The Times of India has reported. This will be followed by indigenous manufacture of another 614 howitzers under transfer of technology.

“These 17-tonne motorised howitzers will arm 40 regiments. The project was recently cleared by Defence Acquisitions Council, chaired by defence minister A K Antony. The RFP is being issued,” the report, quoting a defence ministry source, said.

Besides, plans are afoot to buy 100 155mm/52-calibre self-propelled tracked guns for five artillery regiments, field trials for which will be held around May-June 2010, the daily said.

The artillery modernisation programme will involve induction of 2,814 guns of different types at a cost of Rs. 20,000 crore.