Higher callibre artillery gun to be ready by 2013:MoD

This was the detail given by the Ministry of Defence regarding the indigenous artillery manufacturing programme. 

As per the Defence Acquisition Council decision of October 2011, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is to manufacture 155mm Howitzers as per the details given below:-

(i)     Manufacturing of two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 and two prototypes of upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Howitzer Gun.

(ii)    Also simultaneously carryout electronic and mechanical upgrade (to 45mm calibre) on one 'in service' 155mm/39 calibre gun separately.

The time lines for OFB to offer indigenous Howitzers for trials are as follows:-

(iii)  Two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre guns by December 2012.

(iv)  Two prototypes of 155mm/45 calibre guns by June 2013.

The Technology Transfer Agreement with Swedish company allows this provision.

The Government of India had entered into License Agreement with M/s AB Bofors, Sweden for indigenous manufacture of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 Gun and Ammunition along with the procurement of 155mm/39 calibre FH77 B02 for the Indian Army.