India Army to Conduct Towed Gun Trials

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After years of delay in the procurement of 1,580 towed guns for the Indian Army, it seems India is making some headway as the Indian Field Howitzer-2000 (IFH-2000), developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics (STK), arrives for the field trials. The IFH-2000 is the world’s first and longest in-service 155mm 52-calibre howitzer, which the Singapore Armed Forces have been using consistently.

The Indian Army has been trying to equip its forces with modern artillery for a long time. The saga of trials for acquiring the 155mm, 52-calibre towed guns began in 2002 and continued till 2006, with the three key players being BAE Systems of UK, Israeli firm Soltam and South African company Denel. While Denel was blacklisted, the other two firms did not match the expectations of the Indian Army. Later, a fresh tender was floated in 2008, where BAE Systems and STK became the main contenders for delivering the guns.

Although STK was also officially blacklisted in 2009 due to a scam related to the state-owned Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), no major breakthrough has been made by the Indian investigative authorities. As of now, India has asked STK to field the IFH-2000 for trials. BAE Systems will be fielding the FH-77B-05, an offshoot of the Bofors guns.

STK’s Indian partner for the 155mm gun project is the Indian private major Punj Lloyd Limited, which plans to monitor the logistics and engineering support during the trials on behalf of STK. According to sources, STK will practice firing at the Pokhran ranges in Rajasthan using Indian ammunition and a crack gun crew of seven former Indian Army artillerymen, recruited by Punj Lloyd Limited. As for BAE Systems, it has tied up with Mahindra & Mahindra and has formed an Indian joint venture, Defence Land Systems, with $20 million equity.

STK claims that the design and development of the 155mm 52 Calibre towed Howitzer will meet the Indian Army’s total fire power needs. Interestingly, STK and BAE Systems are also vying for the contract for 140 ultra light howitzers (ULHs), to the tune of Rs 3,100 crore, which India needs for it mountain divisions. These trials are also expected to happen soon and STK will also field its 155mm calibre 39 Pegasus Lightweight Howitzer. Pegasus is a highly operable and portable system that meets the Indian Army’s total battlefield needs. The Pegasus Howitzer has a better edge over others in its class due to its unique self propelled capability, flexible configuration and lower crew fatigue due to powered handling. Besides, ST Kinetics is also offering innovative and customised engineering solutions including dual use systems such as the Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carrier suited for India due to its varied terrains.

In January this year, STK revealed that it has bid for five contracts worth US $3 billion and is keen to set up a manufacturing base in India. The tenders comprise of two artillery gun projects and a light strike vehicle for the army and two carbine rifle projects for internal security.

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