Ordnance, Armour & Infantry Systems

Exploring India's Strides in Terrestrial Defence Capabilities and the Journey Towards 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Introduction & Summary

Ordnance, armour, and infantry systems form the terrestrial backbone of any modern military, providing the crucial firepower, protection, and mobility required for ground combat. From long-range artillery and highly protected armoured vehicles to the versatile small arms carried by infantry soldiers, advancements in these technologies directly impact a nation's land warfare capabilities.

This module explores India's strides in indigenizing artillery systems and rocket launchers, its fleet of main battle tanks and infantry combat vehicles, and the ongoing efforts towards self-reliance in small arms and ammunition. It highlights India's commitment to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) in these critical defence segments, reducing import dependence and bolstering its strategic defence posture.

Artillery Systems: The Firepower Edge

Artillery provides crucial fire support, ranging from close-range engagement to deep strikes behind enemy lines.

Howitzers

Dhanush

Type: 155mm/45 calibre towed artillery gun.

Origin: India (OFB/AWEIL), based on Bofors FH-77B.

Range: Approx. 38 km.

Significance: India's first indigenous long-range artillery gun, a major step towards self-reliance.

K9 Vajra-T

Type: 155mm/52 calibre Tracked Self-Propelled Howitzer.

Origin: Indian variant (L&T) of S. Korean K9 Thunder.

Range: Over 40 km.

Significance: Mobile firepower for mechanized forces, 'Make in India' success with private sector.

ATAGS

Type: 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery gun.

Origin: India (DRDO with Tata, Bharat Forge).

Range: Over 48 km (claimed longest in class).

Significance: Leap in indigenous tech, automated, high fire rate. Under advanced trials.

Rocket Systems

Pinaka MBRL System

Type: Indigenous unguided (and guided) rocket artillery.

Origin: India (DRDO).

Range: Up to 75 km (upgraded versions).

Features: Rapid-firing (12 rockets in 44s), area targets.

Significance: High-volume firepower, indigenous success, operational.

Armoured Vehicles: Protection & Mobility

Armoured vehicles provide essential protection and firepower on the battlefield.

Main Battle Tanks (MBTs)

Arjun MBT

Type: Indigenous Main Battle Tank.

Origin: India (DRDO).

Features: High-power engine, composite armor, 120mm rifled gun. Mk-1A upgraded.

Significance: Major effort in self-reliant tank technology. Mk-1A trials ongoing.

T-90 'Bhishma'

Type: Main Battle Tank.

Origin: Russian, licensed production in India (HVF, Avadi).

Features: Primary MBT, highly capable, robust.

Significance: Forms bulk of MBT fleet, strong offensive capability.

Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs)

BMP-2 'Sarath'

Type: Infantry Combat Vehicle.

Origin: Russian, licensed production in India (OF Medak).

Features: Amphibious, 30mm cannon, anti-tank missile launcher.

Significance: Workhorse of mechanized infantry. Future FICV to replace.

Future FICV Project

Objective: Replace aging BMP-2 fleet with modern, indigenous ICV.

Status: Under development with private sector participation.

Significance: Key for future infantry modernization and self-reliance.

Small Arms & Ammunition

Fundamental for infantry operations, encompassing individual/crew-served weapons and their projectiles.

Small Arms

  • Types: Assault rifles, carbines, LMGs, pistols, sniper rifles.
  • INSAS Rifle: India's indigenous assault rifle (OFB). Faced performance issues, leading to foreign rifle procurement.
  • Akash Carbine: Under development by DRDO.
  • Procurement: Recent procurement of modern assault rifles (e.g., AK-203), LMGs (Israel) to meet immediate needs.

Ammunition

  • Types: Small caliber rounds to large caliber shells for artillery/tanks.
  • Indigenization: OFB (now AWEIL/MIL) traditionally primary producers. Increasing private sector role (specialty ammo, fuses, propellants) under 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
  • Focus: Enhancing quality, quantity, indigenous content.

Significance of Self-Reliance

  • Basic Infantry Capability: Essential for ground troops.
  • Logistics & Supply Chain: Critical for continuous supply during conflict.
  • Strategic Autonomy: Reducing import dependence is crucial.

Challenges in Small Arms & Ammunition

  • Quality & Consistency: Ensuring high quality and reliability.
  • Technology Gap: Catching up with global leaders.
  • Investment: Modernization of production facilities.
  • Standardization: Issues with multiple calibers and types.

Key Ordnance, Armour & Infantry Systems

System Type Specific System Origin/Developer Key Features/Role Status/Significance
Howitzers Dhanush Indigenous (OFB/AWEIL) 155mm/45cal towed, first indigenous long-range Operational, induction ongoing
K9 Vajra-T India (L&T) w/ S.Korea 155mm/52cal Tracked SP Howitzer, desert ops Operational, successful 'Make in India'
ATAGS Indigenous (DRDO) 155mm/52cal towed, automated, longest range claimed Advanced trials, future induction
Rocket System Pinaka MBRL Indigenous (DRDO) Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher, rapid firing, area targets Operational, guided variants in dev
Main Battle Tanks Arjun Indigenous (DRDO) MBT, advanced armor, 120mm gun (Mk-1A upgrade) Limited induction, Mk-1A trials
T-90 'Bhishma' Russia/India (licensed) Primary MBT, licensed production Operational, backbone of tank fleet
Infantry Combat Veh. BMP-2 'Sarath' Russia/India (licensed) ICV, amphibious, 30mm cannon Operational, future FICV project to replace
Small Arms & Ammo INSAS Rifle Indigenous (OFB) India's standard assault rifle, mixed performance Being phased out, new procurements
Ammunition Indigenous/Private Focus on indigenization of various calibers Increasing private sector role, quality focus

Exam-Focused Notes

Artillery:

  • Dhanush: Indigenous 155mm/45cal towed howitzer (OFB/AWEIL), based on Bofors.
  • K9 Vajra-T: 155mm/52cal SP Howitzer (L&T, S. Korean tech), 'Make in India' success.
  • ATAGS: Indigenous 155mm/52cal towed howitzer (DRDO, private partners), longest range.
  • Pinaka MBRL: Indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher (DRDO), high volume fire, guided variants.

Armoured Vehicles:

  • Arjun MBT: Indigenous Main Battle Tank (DRDO). Variants: Mk-1, Mk-1A (upgraded).
  • T-90 'Bhishma': Russian origin, licensed production, primary MBT.
  • BMP-2 'Sarath': Russian origin, licensed ICV. FICV (Future ICV) project to replace.

Small Arms & Ammunition:

  • INSAS Rifle: Indigenous assault rifle (OFB).
  • Indigenization Efforts: OFB (AWEIL/MIL), increasing private sector participation for quality & self-reliance.

Major Debates/Discussions:

  • Indigenization vs. Imports: Balancing cutting-edge tech with self-reliance goals.
  • Quality Control & Modernization: Meeting highest standards and continuous upgrades.
  • Army Modernization: Budget constraints and procurement complexities.
  • Private Sector Role: Expanding participation beyond public sector dominance (e.g., K9 Vajra, ATAGS).

Contemporary Relevance/Significance/Impact:

  • Land Warfare Preparedness: Crucial for border defense (mountains, plains).
  • "Atmanirbhar Bharat" in Defence: Prime examples of indigenization success/challenges.
  • Operational Capability: Equipping Army with state-of-the-art systems.
  • Economic Impact: Boosts domestic manufacturing, jobs, reduces forex outflow.

Integration of Value-added Points:

  • Logistic Support: Standardization of ammunition and spares is vital.
  • Battlefield Survivability: Advanced armor, active protection systems for MBTs and ICVs.

Recent Developments (Last 1 Year)

Ongoing 2023-24

Final User Trials for ATAGS

Rigorous user trials of indigenously developed 155mm/52 calibre ATAGS continued. Successful completion expected to lead to large-scale orders, boosting self-reliance in artillery.

Ongoing 2023-24

Continued Induction of K9 Vajra-T

L&T continued production and delivery of K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers, reinforcing mechanized firepower, especially in plains and desert sectors.

Ongoing 2023-24

Orders for Upgraded Pinaka Rockets

MoD placed further orders for upgraded Pinaka MBRL systems and extended range rockets with private sector firms, showcasing indigenous success.

Ongoing 2023-24

Indigenous Small Arms Development

DRDO and other entities continued work on indigenous small arms like Akash carbine and assault rifle variants, aiming to replace older models.

Ongoing 2023-24

Focus on Arjun Mk-1A MBT Trials

Upgraded Arjun Mk-1A MBT continued evaluation for induction, with efforts to ensure suitability for diverse terrains.

UPSC Previous Year Questions

Q. With reference to 'K9 Vajra-T', consider the following statements:

  1. It is a self-propelled howitzer.
  2. It is indigenously designed and developed by DRDO.
  3. It is equipped with a 155mm/52 calibre gun.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

Hint: K9 Vajra-T is a self-propelled howitzer with a 155mm/52 calibre gun. However, it is not indigenously designed by DRDO but is a licensed production of a South Korean design by L&T.

Q. Which of the following is a multi-barrel rocket launcher system developed by DRDO?

(a) Akash (b) Pinaka (c) BrahMos (d) Nirbhay

Answer: (b)

Hint: Akash is a SAM, BrahMos and Nirbhay are cruise missiles. Pinaka is the indigenous MBRL.

Q. In the context of India's defence capabilities, 'Dhanush' refers to:

(a) A new class of stealth frigates. (b) An indigenous long-range artillery gun. (c) A medium-range surface-to-air missile. (d) A nuclear-powered submarine.

Answer: (b)

Hint: Dhanush is India's first indigenous long-range artillery gun.

Mains Questions Directions

The provided Mains questions (2023, 2018, 2014) highlight the broader themes of indigenous defence modernization, 'Make in India' challenges, and R&D quality. While one is specific to naval tech, the principles apply. Use examples like Dhanush, ATAGS, Pinaka, and Arjun to discuss successes, challenges, and the impact on Army capabilities for land systems-focused questions.

Trend Analysis for UPSC

Prelims Focus

  • Strong Indigenization Focus: Questions on indigenous artillery (Dhanush, ATAGS), rockets (Pinaka), tanks (Arjun), 'Make in India' aspect.
  • Specifics of Systems: Caliber, type (towed/SP), key features.
  • Recent Trials/Inductions: ATAGS trials, K9 Vajra-T induction, Pinaka upgrades are relevant.
  • Parent Body: Knowing DRDO or OFB/AWEIL development.

Mains Focus

  • 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' in Defence: Overarching theme. Evaluate success, challenges, policy implications.
  • Modernization Needs: How tech addresses Army's requirements for various terrains/threats.
  • Role of Private Sector: Increasing participation (e.g., L&T's K9 Vajra-T).
  • Challenges: R&D, tech absorption, quality control, hurdles, balancing procurement with indigenous development.

Original Practice Questions

Consider the following statements about India's indigenous artillery systems:

  1. Dhanush is a 155mm/45 calibre towed howitzer, indigenously developed by the Ordnance Factory Board.
  2. K9 Vajra-T is a self-propelled howitzer, fully designed and developed by DRDO.
  3. ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) is known for its automated ammunition handling and potential longest firing range in its class.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect; K9 Vajra-T is a licensed production of a South Korean design by L&T, not fully designed by DRDO. Statement 3 is correct.

Which of the following describes the purpose of the 'Future Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV)' project in India?

(a) To develop a new Main Battle Tank for the Indian Army.
(b) To replace the aging fleet of BMP-2 'Sarath' Infantry Combat Vehicles.
(c) To produce an indigenous variant of a self-propelled artillery gun.
(d) To develop a new generation of unmanned ground vehicles for reconnaissance.

Answer: (b)

Explanation: The FICV project is specifically aimed at replacing the Indian Army's aging fleet of BMP-2 'Sarath' Infantry Combat Vehicles with a modern, indigenous design.

Descriptive Question 1 (Mains)

"The Indian Army's modernization heavily relies on indigenous development and strategic procurement of advanced ordnance and armoured systems." Discuss the significance of recent advancements in India's artillery and Main Battle Tank programs (like ATAGS, K9 Vajra-T, and Arjun Mk-1A) in enhancing the Army's operational capabilities and achieving self-reliance in land warfare. (15 marks, 250 words)

Key Points/Structure
  • Introduction: Crucial role of ordnance/armour, dual strategy of indigenous development & procurement.
  • Artillery Modernization: ATAGS (DRDO, long-range, automation), K9 Vajra-T ('Make in India', SPG), Pinaka (MBRL). Impact: Enhanced fire support, accuracy, mobility, reduced import dependence.
  • Main Battle Tank Programs: Arjun Mk-1A (indigenous, upgrades), T-90 (complementary). Impact: Strengthening armored brigades, tailored for India, increasing indigenization.
  • Achievement of Self-Reliance: 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' successes.
  • Challenges/Way Forward: R&D, production cycles, private sector, tech gaps, cost.
  • Conclusion: Vital for combat readiness, deterrence, long-term security.

Descriptive Question 2 (Mains)

India's pursuit of self-reliance in small arms and ammunition is critical for infantry effectiveness and strategic autonomy. Discuss the challenges faced by India in achieving complete indigenization in this sector and suggest measures to overcome them. (10 marks, 150 words)

Key Points/Structure
  • Introduction: Importance of small arms/ammo, self-reliance goal.
  • Challenges: Quality/consistency (e.g., INSAS issues), technology gap, investment, bureaucracy, lack of scale, import dependence.
  • Measures: Increased R&D, private sector incentives, technology transfer, stringent quality control, long-term orders, standardization.
  • Conclusion: Sustained policy, tech upgrades, private sector engagement needed.