After three decades, the Indian Army received two new artillery guns from the United States Today. This is the first after the Bofors that India gained thirty years ago. The M-777 ultra light howitzer guns became part of India’s 145-gun order from the US for 700 million dollars. This is the first inclusion into the Indian Army after the Bofors scandal 30 years back. This scandal has massively affected defence purchases since then.
According to reports, the Indian Army has big plans to upgrade artillery formations. It is said to be in the process of acquiring five different types of artillery guns. These will be a part of the modernisation plan estimated to cost Rs. 22,000 crores. The army is set to test these guns in Pokhran today. They are said to be put to use in high altitude areas against China and improve defenses. These guns are expected to add massive firepower to the Indian Army especially on the Eastern front against China. Manufactured by BAE Systems, these air portable 155mm/39 caliber guns have a range of 30 km.
Defense officials said the guns arrived ahead of schedule. They said, “We continue to support the US government in integrating its weapon systems with the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation program.” The company will deliver 25 assembled guns out of the 145 guns and the rest are set to be assembled in India by Mahindra. India has faced a shortage in the eastern provinces to face China in the mountains. These ultra light howitzers are said to be primarily purchased to provide the much needed firepower against China.
Three decades ago, the Bofors controversy started after allegations started against the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. It was alleged that the Swedish defence manufacturer Bofors paid huge amounts to Rajiv Gandhi and others for the sale of artillery guns to the Indian Army. Since the time of the Bofors scandals, defence purchases and procurement have been always surrounded by political scandals. Which makes this acquisition a big step for the Army.
