Dhanush (howitzer)
{{Short description|Indian 155 mm howitzer}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name = Dhanush
| image = Indian Army Aviation Corps and Air Defence Arty Joint Display Ex 2.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = The Dhanush in public display.
| origin = India
| type = Howitzer
| is_ranged = yes
| is_bladed =
| is_explosive =
| is_artillery = yes
| is_missile =
| is_UK =
| service = 2019 - present
| used_by = Indian Army
| wars = India-Pakistan Conflict 2025
| designer = Ordnance Factory Board
| design_date = 2010 - 2013
| manufacturer = Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (previously Ordnance Factory Board)
| production_date = 2014 - present
| variants =
| spec_label =
| weight = * {{convert|13|t||abbr=off}}
- <{{convert|14|t||abbr=off}} (Upgraded)
| length =
| part_length = * {{convert|6.98|m||abbr=off}} L/45
| width =
| height =
| traverse_diameter =
| crew = 6-8
| cartridge =
| cartridge_weight =
| caliber = 155 mm (NATO ammunition compatible)
| barrels =
| action = Auto gun alignment and positioning
| rate = * Burst: 3 rounds in 15 sec
- Intense: 15 rounds in 3 min
- Sustained: 60 rounds in 60 min
| velocity =
| range =
| max_range = * 38 km{{Cite web |last=Shukla |first=Ajai |date=8 February 2014 |title=Indian artillery guns make a splash at DefExpo |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/indian-artillery-guns-make-a-splash-at-defexpo-114020800949_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828084113/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/indian-artillery-guns-make-a-splash-at-defexpo-114020800949_1.html |archive-date=28 August 2023 |website=Business Standard}}{{cite web |author=Bipindra |first=N C |date=21 June 2014 |title='Dhanush' Ready after Final Trials in Pokhran |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/%E2%80%98Dhanush%E2%80%99-Ready-after-Final-Trials-in-Pokhran/2014/06/21/article2291439.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929195009/http://www.newindianexpress.com:80/nation/%E2%80%98Dhanush%E2%80%99-Ready-after-Final-Trials-in-Pokhran/2014/06/21/article2291439.ece |archive-date=29 September 2016 |access-date= |website=The New Indian Express}}
- 42 km (Upgraded)
- >60 km (for Ramjet Propelled Artillery Shell, being developed){{cite news |last1=MP |first1=Sidharth |date=21 February 2020 |title=IIT-M working on next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-m-working-on-next-gen-ramjet-powered-155mm-artillery-shells-for-indian-army-282090 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921163017/https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-m-working-on-next-gen-ramjet-powered-155mm-artillery-shells-for-indian-army-282090 |archive-date=21 September 2020 |access-date=22 August 2022 |publisher=WION}}
| feed = Electrically operated ammunition handling
| sights = Thermal sight Gunners display
| breech = Screw type
| recoil = Electro-rheological/Magneto-rheological
| is_vehicle =
| speed = With towing vehicle 70 kmph, Self propelled >5 kmph with 95kw APU {{Cite web |title=Dhanush 155mmX45 Calibre Gun |url=https://ddpdoo.gov.in/product/products/product-details/dhanush-155mmx45-calibre-gun |website=Directorate of Ordnance (Coordination and Services)
|language=en}}
| elevation = Servo based, -3°/+70°
| traverse = Servo based, 30° left or right from centreline{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |date=9 April 2019 |title=Indian Army receives first six of 114 Dhanush howitzers |url=https://www.janes.com/article/87786/indian-army-receives-first-six-of-114-dhanush-howitzers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190410222539/https://www.janes.com/article/87786/indian-army-receives-first-six-of-114-dhanush-howitzers |archive-date=10 April 2019 |work=Janes}}
}}
Dhanush ({{Lit|Bow}}) is a 155 mm towed howitzer manufactured by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India at Gun Carriage Factory Jabalpur, previously a part of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). The gun was approved for service in 2019 and has been inducted into the Indian Army.{{Cite web |last=Pawar |first=B.S. |date=8 May 2023 |title=Stuck at Aatmanirbharta |url=https://forceindia.net/guest-column/stuck-at-aatmanirbharta/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622152822/https://forceindia.net/guest-column/stuck-at-aatmanirbharta/ |archive-date=22 June 2023 |access-date=22 June 2023 |website=forceindia.net}} The Dhanush project was started by OFB to replace the older 105 mm Indian Field Gun, 105 mm Light Field Gun and the Russian 122 mm guns with a modern 155 mm artillery gun.
Development
The initial indigenous development of artillery guns in India started in the 1970s with the Artillery Gun Development Team under Brigadier Gurdyal Singh at Gun Carriage Factory, Jabalpur.{{cite web |date=8 April 2019 |title=An eye on fixed target 'Dhanush' is all set to serve nation: Artillery gun inducted in the Indian Army |url=https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2019/4/8/Dhanush-artillery-gun.amp.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828082617/https://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2019/4/8/Dhanush-artillery-gun.amp.html |archive-date=28 August 2023 |website=NewsBharati}} This resulted in the introduction of 105 mm Indian Field Gun and its variant, the Light Field Gun into the Indian Army.
The purchase of Haubits FH77 guns manufactured by Bofors in the 1980s included technology transfer to OFB. After many years being unable to acquire or import foreign artillery guns due to the corruption charges, OFB developed the Dhanush gun based on the technical data package that was included in the purchase of the FH77. Improvements and modernisation of the original construction included lengthening the gun barrel from 39 calibres to 45, inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, onboard ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system.
An order, worth {{INRConvert|1260|c|year=2013}}, was placed with OFB around 2013 for 114 guns and 300 more planned. The guns were to be manufactured by Gun Carriage Factory Jabalpur. The gun cost was at {{INRConvert|14|c|year=2014}} apiece with 80% indigenous content. Very few components like APU, electronic dial sights and a few other small items are imported.
From 6 to 30 June 2014, the gun underwent its final summer trials at Pokhran Field Firing Range. This was after the successful winter trials in Sikkim at an altitude of {{Convert|3500|m|ft}} at sub-zero temperatures. Dhanush outperformed the Bofors gun by 20 to 25 percent in parameters like range, accuracy, consistency, low and high angle of fire, and shoot-and-scoot ability. There had been a pause in trials due to a barrel burst incident in August 2013 but was later investigation reported an issue with "old ammunition with air bubbles" and no problem was found in barrel design or metallurgy.{{cite news |last=Pandit |first=Rajat |date=21 June 2014 |title=Desi Bofors howitzer undergoes final trials in major boost to indigenization |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Desi-Bofors-howitzer-undergoes-final-trials-in-major-boost-to-indigenization/articleshow/36922267.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230830065421/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/desi-bofors-howitzer-undergoes-final-trials-in-major-boost-to-indigenization/articleshow/36922267.cms |archive-date=30 August 2023 |access-date=18 July 2016 |work=The Times of India}}
Three Dhanush guns were handed over to the Indian Army for user trials in July 2016.{{Cite news |date=17 July 2016 |title=Gun Carriage Factory hands over 3 'Dhanush' guns to Army |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gun-carriage-factory-hands-over-dhanush-guns-to-army/article8862254.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117032254/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Gun-Carriage-Factory-hands-over-%E2%80%98Dhanush%E2%80%99-guns-to-Army/article60462476.ece |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 July 2016 |newspaper=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} Battery trials were expected to be completed by July 2017 with 18 guns entering service in 2017, 36 guns in 2018, and 60 guns in 2019, for an Indian Army order of 114 guns.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2 June 2017 |title=Army to Induct 18 Dhanush Artillery Guns This Year |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-to-induct-18-dhanush-artillery-guns-this-year/article18709318.ece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828101739/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-to-induct-18-dhanush-artillery-guns-this-year/article18709318.ece |archive-date=28 August 2023 |access-date=4 June 2017 |newspaper=The Hindu |language=en-US}} Each regiment has 18 guns and two are reserved.
The Dhanush experienced a few problem during trials, failing on three occasions in a row in 2017.{{cite news |last=Unnithan |first=Sandeep |date=12 August 2021 |title=Why L&T is offering the Indian army a homegrown artillery gun |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-l-t-is-offering-the-indian-army-a-homegrown-artillery-gun-1839576-2021-08-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221025227/https://www.indiatoday.in/india-today-insight/story/why-l-t-is-offering-the-indian-army-a-homegrown-artillery-gun-1839576-2021-08-11 |archive-date=21 December 2022 |work=India Today}} It was reported in July 2017 that the howitzer failed the last phase of testing, due to the shell hitting the muzzle brake. A redesign of the barrel by widening it was being considered to solve the issue.{{Cite web |last=Arya |first=Shirshir |date=21 July 2017 |title=Desi howitzer fails last phase of tests |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/desi-howitzer-fails-last-phase-of-tests/articleshow/59691394.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013130608/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/desi-howitzer-fails-last-phase-of-tests/articleshow/59691394.cms |archive-date=13 October 2023 |website=The Times of India}} Later an investigation revealed the incident happened due to a defective shell. Further trials were conducted by firing about 5000 shells in the desert regions and icy glaciers of the Himalayas without any incident.{{Cite news |last=Sagar |first=Pradip R |date=6 May 2018 |title=Shots on target, finally |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/specials/2018/04/27/shots-on-target-finally.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501162558/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/specials/2018/04/27/shots-on-target-finally.html |archive-date=1 May 2018 |access-date=4 May 2018 |work=The Week |language=en}} In June 2018, Dhanush completed final development trials.{{cite news |date=8 June 2018 |title=Dhanush artillery gun clears final test, ready for induction: Official |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/dhanush-artillery-gun-clears-final-test-ready-for-induction-official/articleshow/64511167.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610053239/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/dhanush-artillery-gun-clears-final-test-ready-for-induction-official/articleshow/64511167.cms |archive-date=10 June 2018 |work=The Economic Times |agency=Press Trust of India}} In February 2019, it was approved for series production.{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |date=19 February 2019 |title=Indian MoD approves local production of 114 Dhanush howitzers |url=https://www.janes.com/article/86615/indian-mod-approves-local-production-of-114-dhanush-howitzers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220170216/https://www.janes.com/article/86615/indian-mod-approves-local-production-of-114-dhanush-howitzers |archive-date=20 February 2019 |work=Janes}}
= Manufacturing =
The first batch of 6 guns were officially inducted by the Army on 8 April 2019. 93 Field Regiment, first unit to be armed with this gun, had the honour to participate in the 71st Republic Day Parade and Army Day parade in 2020 with its new equipment.{{Cite news |last= |date=26 January 2020 |title=India's military strength, cultural diversity at display during 71st Republic Day Parade |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/india-s-military-strength-cultural-diversity-at-display-during-71st-republic-day-parade-120012600440_1.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126143102/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/india-s-military-strength-cultural-diversity-at-display-during-71st-republic-day-parade-120012600440_1.html |archive-date=26 January 2020 |access-date=6 April 2021 |work=Business Standard India}}
A recent manufacturing disruption occurred due to the untimely procurement of a spare part needed for a sub-assembly. The production of Dhanush has restarted following a pause due to a shortage of spare parts. In FY2023–2024, Advance Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) intends to deliver the Indian Army with further 26 units of the gun. With this, the Army will have total 50 Dhanush howitzers. Accidents such as barrel bursts and muzzle brake strikes marred the early years of manufacturing. At that point, the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was in charge of the Gun Carriage Factory in Jabalpur. New terms and conditions were signed with the new entity AWEIL following the corporatization. According to the revised terms, the delivery is proceeding as planned.{{Cite news |last=Arya |first=Shishir |date=2023-12-06 |title=Dhanush production starts after spare part prob solved |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/dhanush-production-resumes-after-spare-part-problem-solved/articleshow/105768682.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241127110537/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/dhanush-production-resumes-after-spare-part-problem-solved/articleshow/105768682.cms |archive-date=2024-11-27 |access-date=2024-02-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} The guns are to be delivered by 2026.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2023-09-17 |title=Army likely to complete inducting 114 Dhanush guns by 2026 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-likely-to-complete-inducting-114-dhanush-guns-by-2026/article67317964.ece/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}
As of March 2024, the guns for second regiment are in induction phase.{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Mayank |date=2024-03-07 |title=Plans afoot to add indigenous towed artillery guns Dhanush along LAC |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2024/Mar/30/plans-afoot-to-add-indigenous-towed-artillery-guns-dhanush-along-lac |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}
= Ammunition =
== Ramjet-Propelled Artillery Shell ==
{{Excerpt|Munitions India#Ramjet-Propelled Artillery Shell }}
== Smart Artillery Shell ==
{{Excerpt|Munitions India#155 mm Smart Artillery Shell}}
Variants
- Towed variant (Original 45-calibre)
- Towed 52-calibre: AWEIL upgraded the gun system into 155mm 52-calibre which can now fire up to {{Convert|42|km|mi}}. Dhanush weighs less than {{Convert|14000|kg|lb}}. The newly upgraded gun has double baffle muzzle brake and retractable barrel and has a unified sighting system for day and night warfare against static and moving targets. The gun barrel has a length of {{Convert|8060|mm||abbr=on}} and a weight of {{Convert|2790|kg||abbr=on}} and an elevation range of -3°/+70°. It has three modes of rate of fire: burst rate (three rounds in 30 seconds), intense rate (12 rounds in three minutes) and sustained rate (42 rounds for one hour). The upgraded Dhanush successfully completed the internal testing phase.{{Cite web |last=Kajal |first=Kapil |date=20 October 2022 |title=Defexpo 2022: India upgrades Dhanush towed guns |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-india-upgrades-dhanush-towed-guns |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106172617/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-india-upgrades-dhanush-towed-guns |archive-date=6 November 2022 |access-date=20 October 2022 |website=Janes |language=en}} The gun system is likely to participate in the Towed Gun System tender for induction into the Indian Army.{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Gordon |date=2024-02-13 |title=India takes next step toward new 155mm towed howitzers |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/02/13/india-takes-next-step-toward-new-155mm-towed-howitzers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831113915/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2024/02/13/india-takes-next-step-toward-new-155mm-towed-howitzers/ |archive-date=31 August 2024 |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=Defense News |language=en}}
- Self propelled/MGS:{{Cite web |title=Danush 155 mm Field Howitzer |url=https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/danush.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212033452/https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/danush.htm |archive-date=12 December 2023 |access-date=12 December 2023 |website=militarytoday.com}}
File:OFB-BEML 155 mm Truck-mounted Self-Propelled Gun System.jpg
A vehicle mounted variant of the gun called Mounted Gun System was showcased by OFB at the Defexpo 2018 show. The gun is mounted on a 8x8 Tatra truck manufactured under license by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) and has a {{Convert|30|km/h|mph}} cross country speed and {{Convert|80|km/h|mph}} road speed.{{Cite web |last=Parakala |first=Akshara |date=19 April 2018 |title=Defexpo 2018: OFB showcases 155 mm/52 calibre Mounted Gun System |url=http://www.janes.com/article/79422/defexpo-2018-ofb-showcases-155-mm-52-calibre-mounted-gun-system |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627145036/http://www.janes.com/article/79422/defexpo-2018-ofb-showcases-155-mm-52-calibre-mounted-gun-system |archive-date=27 June 2018 |access-date=4 May 2018 |website=Janes}}
Users
- {{flag|India}}: Indian Army - 114 units ordered, 24 delivered. First regiment is operational near Line of Actual Control (LAC).{{Cite web |date=17 July 2023 |title=Indian Army Deploys Upgraded Dhanush Howitzers in Ladakh |url=https://ssbcrackexams.com/indian-army-deploys-upgraded-dhanush-howitzers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209112747/https://ssbcrackexams.com/indian-army-deploys-upgraded-dhanush-howitzers/ |archive-date=9 December 2023 |access-date=9 December 2023 |website=ssbcrackexams.com |language=en-US}} As of September 2024, all units now expected to be delivered by March 2026.{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2023-09-17 |title=Army likely to complete inducting 114 Dhanush guns by 2026 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/army-likely-to-complete-inducting-114-dhanush-guns-by-2026/article67317964.ece |access-date=2024-02-16 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}{{Cite web |last=Ray |first=Kalyan |title=New howitzers, firing ranges near the LAC for Army amidst China boundary dispute |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/new-howitzers-firing-ranges-near-the-lac-for-army-amidst-china-boundary-dispute-3209983 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2024-09-27 |title=Local 155mm ammunition, broader production vendor base: Army counters supply issues amid Russia-Ukraine war |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/155mm-ammunition-locally-buying-new-gun-systems-army-supply-chain-issues-russia-ukraine-war-9591276/#amp_tf=From%20%251$s&aoh=17274409229046&csi=0&referrer=https://www.google.com&share=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/155mm-ammunition-locally-buying-new-gun-systems-army-supply-chain-issues-russia-ukraine-war-9591276/ |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}
See also
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}
{{commons category|Dhanush (howitzer)}}