The Indian Army has inaugurated a new artillery firing range in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, marking the establishment of the first high-altitude artillery range in the country.
The development is strategically significant, particularly in light of the ongoing standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The artillery firing range, which falls under the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, has been set up to facilitate the practice and testing of howitzers and other critical weapon systems.
At a media briefing in New Delhi, Lt Gen Adosh Kumar, Director General of Artillery, confirmed the operationalisation of the new range, stating, “A new firing range has been set up in the Tawang sector where we can fire our howitzers and test their capabilities. This is the first high-altitude range, and we are trying to find more ranges in other states.”
The establishment of this range provides the artillery units with an authentic operational environment at a higher altitude, crucial for adapting to the unique challenges posed by such terrain.
Lt Gen Kumar further noted that over the past two years, the Army has identified two firing ranges in Arunachal Pradesh, with the Tawang facility now active, while the second is awaiting notification.
In line with its ongoing modernisation efforts, the Army aims to enhance the range of high explosive pre-fragmented (HEPF) shells by approximately 15-20%.
Lt Gen Kumar mentioned that while trials have concluded, the contract for these shells is expected to be finalised within this financial year. The Army is also focused on procuring advanced capabilities such as loitering munitions, swarm drones, and runway-independent remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
Significant advancements have been made with several types of 155 mm calibre guns or howitzers, including ultra-light howitzers (ULH), K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Sharang, now being inducted into the Regiment of Artillery.
“ULH have been inducted along the northern borders; they are lighter and can be carried underslung by helicopters. The K-9 Vajra Gun System is ideal for mechanised operations. Dhanush Guns are an electronic upgrade of Bofors Guns, while the Sharang Gun System has been upgraded from 130 mm to 155 mm calibre,” Lt Gen Kumar explained.
In addition to the current acquisitions, the Army plans to introduce more K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Sharang gun systems in the near future.
“We are also in the process of inducting other 155 mm gun systems to include Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Mounted Gun System (MGS), and Towed Gun System (TGS),” he added.
The ATAGS, designed and developed by DRDO along with two private partners, is expected to have its contract concluded soon, with trials for the MGS and TGS set to commence in 2025.
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