The Indian Army has taken a significant step to enhance the lethality of its artillery arm by equipping the 105 mm Indian Field Gun (IFG), a mainstay of the Regiment of Artillery, with automatic aiming capability. This upgrade is part of the broader modernisation drive undertaken by the armed forces to bolster combat effectiveness.
Automatic Gun-Laying Technology
The army has modified an Indian Field Gun to enable automatic aiming, eliminating the need for manual turning of dials to set the gun on target—a process known in gunner terminology as laying. Now, a computer system will handle this task, allowing the artillery crew to calculate firing solutions automatically and adjust their aim with precision. This technology is already in use on the army's FH-77B artillery gun, popularly known as the Bofors gun, as well as newer systems such as the K-9 Vajra and the M-777, which are also laid on target via computer.
According to a source in the army, "The laying of the gun via the automatic gun-laying technology will improve the effectiveness of the gun. This new addition will improve the response time of fire units and make the guns more accurate. Faster engagement time will also help with increasing the rate of fire. These developments will greatly be appreciated by troops seeking artillery fire."
Operational Benefits
The auto-laying system reduces target acquisition and re-laying time by replacing manual cranks with motorized drives integrated into digital fire-control systems. This enhances precision in high-angle mountain warfare and improves survivability through faster "shoot and scoot" operations, allowing crews to fire and relocate swiftly. Notably, the modification was carried out internally at the 506 Army Base Workshop.
Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan
The Regiment of Artillery is in the midst of a massive re-calibration drive known as the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan. Formulated after the Kargil War, this plan aims to transition gun artillery regiments from the 105mm caliber to the 155mm caliber. Currently, most artillery guns fire 105mm rounds, but the shift to 155mm is expected to provide greater range and firepower.
In recent years, the army has inducted several modern artillery systems, including the indigenous Dhanush, the BAe Systems M-777, and the K-9 self-propelled guns from South Korea. Additionally, the army has ordered 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGS). All of these guns fire the 155mm artillery shell, aligning with the rationalisation plan.
This upgrade to the 105mm IFG with automatic aiming is a crucial interim step, ensuring that existing platforms remain effective while the army continues its transition to a more modern and lethal artillery force.
