Indian Artillery Guns Name and Range - Indian artillery modernisation plan

List of artillery active service in Indian Armed Forces along with their Ranges:

-Towed Artillery-

1. M-46 130mm (500 in service) : 35km
2. M-46 Soltam 155mm (180 in service) : 39km
3. M-46 Sharang 155mm (300 in order/service) : 39km
4. D-30 122mm (520 in service) : 15km
5. FH-77 Bofors (400 in service/reserve) : 24km
6. BAE M777 (145 in service) : 30km
7. OFB Field Gun (2400 in service) : 6km
8. OFB Dhanush (114 in service/order) : 42km
9. ATAGS (307 on order/service) : 52km

-Tracked Self Propelled Artillery-

1. K-9 Vajra 155mm (200 n service/order) : 41km

-Truck Mounted Artillery-

Currently Indian Army doesn't operate any truck mounted artillery. However companies like Adani Defence and Tata Defence have displayed their assembled Artillery systems from Israel and France respectively to Indian Army for future 800 Truck Mounted Artillery Procurement.

Bharat Forge along with DRDO has also showcased their MGS(Mounted Gun System) with a range of over 48km based on ATAGS that is fully designed and manufactured in India along with their in house system like MARG 155mm with a range of over 36km which has been exported to Armenia. 

State owned Companies like OFB is also working on Truck Mounted Dhanush artillery.

India’s Artillery: From Tradition to Modernisation

India’s artillery has long been regarded as the backbone of its land warfare capability, delivering decisive firepower in both defensive and offensive operations. Over the decades, the Indian Army has relied on a diverse mix of towed, self-propelled, and truck-mounted artillery to maintain fire superiority. Today, with shifting strategic realities and advances in technology, the modernisation of these systems has become central to India’s military preparedness.

Towed Artillery Systems

The bulk of India’s artillery continues to be based on towed systems. These are valued for their reliability, relatively low cost, and ease of deployment across varied terrain. Iconic pieces such as the Bofors FH-77B howitzer, inducted in the late 1980s, still remain in service after upgrades, but the demand for newer platforms has accelerated. The indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), with a range exceeding 48 kilometres, stands at the forefront of India’s quest for cutting-edge, home-grown artillery.

Self-Propelled and Truck-Mounted Artillery

Self-propelled artillery has been essential for rapid manoeuvres, particularly in desert and high-intensity environments. The K9 Vajra-T, a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer built in collaboration with South Korea, has added a modern, mobile dimension to India’s firepower. Complementing these are truck-mounted systems such as the Bharat Forge Garuda and DRDO’s mounted gun platforms, which combine heavy firepower with strategic mobility. These are especially suited for mountain warfare, allowing artillery to be deployed quickly on narrow and challenging roads.

The Road Ahead: Modernisation Plans

India’s artillery modernisation programme aims to standardise calibre, increase indigenous production, and enhance precision. The focus is shifting towards 155 mm systems, ensuring greater lethality and interoperability. Rocket artillery, such as the Pinaka multi-barrel launcher, is being steadily upgraded with longer-range and guided rockets, while loitering munitions and precision-guided shells are under active development.

Digital fire-control systems, automation, and integration with satellite-based navigation are becoming the norm. These advancements ensure quicker targeting, reduced crew fatigue, and improved accuracy. Simultaneously, the government’s emphasis on “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) ensures that private industry, alongside defence public sector units, is heavily involved in research, development, and production.

India’s artillery is evolving from a largely towed-gun-centric force to a balanced mix of towed, self-propelled, and truck-mounted systems, complemented by advanced rockets and guided munitions. The vision is clear: to equip the Indian Army with a modern, agile, and lethal artillery force, capable of meeting the challenges of contemporary and future battlefields.