Comprehensive Force Mix A Better Answer
The performance of artillery during the 1999 Kargil War opened the Indian Army’s eyes to the need for modernizing the arm. Not only had the venerable Bofors become a decisive factor – the indigenously-developed Pinaka multiple rocket launcher (MRL) helped shape the thought processes of defence planners.
Several subsequent upgrades have transformed Pinaka into one of the most lethal systems in India’s artillery arsenal. The Defence Research & Development Oranisation (DRDO) trialled the Enhanced Pinaka Mk1 Rocket System (EPRS) and its associated area denial munition (ADM) last April, declaring both systems “ready for user trials [and] series production”. Previously, DRDO tested the Pinaka Extended Range (ER) Mk II, demonstrating up to 75km ranges. Despite plans to develop or acquire new artillery systems, the Pinaka has been constantly upgraded to meet the Army’s indirect fire needs: in 2021, they were deployed on the Line of Actual Control, providing for deep strike and high volume/short duration firepower.
Watching events unfold in Ukraine, it is clear that demand for MRL remains high – witness the recent US approval for the transfer of more HIMARS systems to Kyiv. However, there is a school of thought that maintains it would be more rational for India to focus on tube artillery and missile systems: in addition to Pinaka, its MRL needs are well-served with the 90km-range Smerch and MB-21 Grad systems, the latter with embedded guidance control, navigation and secure communication systems.
An urgent current need is to strengthen the Army’s mountain warfare capabilities, for which a combination of artillery systems is required. The current 105mm towed guns are to be replaced by 155mm systems, such as the M777, currently deployed in the eastern Ladakh region. The Army has also acquired and deployed the K-9 Vajra 155mm system-suited to both desert and mountain warfare. High on the service’s wishlist are more 155mm/52 calibre systems: the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a candidate, as is Israel’s Autonomous Towed Howitzer Ordnance System (ATHOS) – it remains to be seen whether India opts for a foreign ‘Buy and Make’ strategy, or sticks to the ‘Make in India’ ATAGS.
In general, tube artillery provides greater precision than MRL. There is therefore a greater need to focus on procurement of modern artillery than to enhance the number of Pinaka regiments, whose primary role is the engagement of hostile units at shorter ranges, prior to the ‘close-quarter battle.’ The task of ensuring conventional deterrence therefore demands a broad spectrum focus on towed and self-propelled guns, MRL and missile systems, alongside credible air and missile defence capabilities. The nation’s offensive firepower features long-range Pralay missiles and the sophisticated BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, both off which offer stand-off capability and robust support to conventional artillery firepower.
Afinal rationale for the decision not to procure further Pinaka units lies in the eternal ‘guns and butter’ dilemma and the vast list of weapon systems being procured for all the Indian armed forces. Given the paramount need to strengthen conventional and nuclear deterrence, the Army’s decision not to pursue equipping more Pinaka regiments is entirely logical. As an added benefit, India’s ‘no-first use’ doctrine will be strengthened if its artillery has a mix of towed, self-propelled and long-range deep strike capabilities to strengthen conventional deterrence.
Debalina Ghoshal (Non-Resident Fellow at Canada’s Council on International Policy)
