Lessons from Russia-Ukraine War Shape India’s Artillery Doctrine

September 18, 2023

The Russia-Ukraine war has influenced India’s artillery doctrine and capability development. Additionally, the conflict highlighted the importance of precision and terminally guided munitions, as well as rapid target engagement capabilities. India is also focusing on incorporating niche technologies such as loiter munitions, swarm drones, and counter-drone systems. The lessons learned will shape India’s artillery profile, emphasizing the deployment of self-propelled guns, mounted gun systems, and towed guns with shoot-and-scoot capabilities based on specific operational requirements.

What are the key lessons learned by India’s artillery from the Russia-Ukraine war?

The key lessons the need for a balanced mix of rockets and guns, increased precision-targeting systems, enhanced battlefield transparency, and robust force preservation measures.

Why is firepower considered a critical factor in modern conflicts, as highlighted by the war in Ukraine?

Firepower is considered critical because it significantly impacts the outcome of battles. The war in Ukraine underscored this, with 80% of casualties attributed to artillery fire.

How has the Russia-Ukraine conflict influenced India’s artillery doctrine and capability development?

The conflict has prompted India to reassess its artillery inventory, focusing on the procurement of self-propelled guns, mounted gun systems, and towed guns with shoot-and-scoot capabilities. It has also highlighted the importance of precision munitions and niche technologies.

What technologies and capabilities are India looking to incorporate into its artillery inventory based on the lessons from the war?

India is looking to incorporate precision and terminally guided munitions, loiter munitions, swarm drones, counter-drone systems, runway-independent remotely piloted aircraft, Weapon Locating Radars and Battlefield Surveillance Radars and enhanced communication systems. The focus is on advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics.

What is India’s timeline for completing the “Mediumisation” plan with indigenous guns, and what types of guns are being procured?

The “Mediumisation” plan with indigenous guns is expected to be completed by 2042. India is procuring various types of 155mm guns, including howitzers and self-propelled gun systems. The procurement process also includes mounted gun systems and advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS).

How is India enhancing its missile capability in terms of range and accuracy?

India is extending the range of its missiles, including the BrahMos, and exploring the development of other missiles with various ranges and capabilities. The focus is on precision-guided munitions, and collaborations with academia and industry are ongoing.

What are some notable developments in rockets and munitions for India’s artillery?

India is working on guided extended-range rockets for the Pinaka system, which will enable accurate engagement of targets up to 70 km. Trials for Area Denial Munitions (ADM) have also begun, and the country is enhancing its rocket munitions capabilities.

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