Bharat Forge Expands Artillery Systems Offering

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At a weight of less than one ton, and soft recoil technology, Garuda 105 can be mounted on light tactical vehicles such as this HMMWV. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
Bharat 52 is a self-propelled variant of the 155mm/52Cal gun produced in India by Bharat Forge. The system uses self-propelling capability and automatic laying, enabling rapid 'shoot and scoot' even with towed guns. The self propelling system can move the cannon at a speed of up to 30 km/h, and provide sufficient mobility for change of positions. The system weighs 14 tons and has a maximum firing range of 41 km, with 3-5 rounds per minute rate of fire.
Bharat 52 is a self-propelled variant of the 155mm/52Cal gun produced in India by Bharat Forge. The system uses self-propelling capability and automatic laying, enabling rapid ‘shoot and scoot’ even with towed guns. The self propelling system can move the cannon at a speed of up to 30 km/h, and provide sufficient mobility for change of positions. The system weighs 14 tons and has a maximum firing range of 41 km, with 3-5 rounds per minute rate of fire.
The joint venture company set up by Bharat Forge and Elbit Systems will also provide electronic systems for artillery systems including computerized equipment and software applications (left) and muzzle velocity measurement radar (right). Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
The joint venture company set up by Bharat Forge and Elbit Systems will also provide electronic systems for artillery systems including computerized equipment and software applications (left), handheld data display unit (far left), mission and ballistic computer, navigation equipment (right) and muzzle velocity measurement radar (front). Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update

With upgrades and modernization for its artillery systems long overdue, the Indian Ministry of Defense is likely to make heavy investments in this field in the coming years. Among the systems being replaced or fielded are towed guns, self propelled howitzers, mobile gun systems (truck mounted), self propelled guns carried by tank chassis, self propelled (trackd) guns and lighweight artillery supporting light, mountain and special forces. Traditionally, production of weapon systems Private sector, Both Tata Power, Larsen & Turbo and the Kaliani Group’s Bharat Forge units – all private sector companies owned by some of India’s largest commercial conglomerates. All these groups are vying for part of the Indian artillery pie and all have teamed with foreign companies to offer operationally proven designs. For the mobile gun system (MGS) the French Nexter unveiled here a Singapore125x125lightweight variant of CAESAR, carried by a Super Stallion truck built by Ashok Leyland. Bharat Forge and Elbit Systems are also offering variants of the ATMOS, as part of the JV’s growing portfolio. Elbit Systems is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of the ATMOS. (Soltam, the original designer of ATMOS is currently part of Elbit Systems Land Systems division). ATMOS has also been deployed with a number of armies, including Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Uganda and, most recently Thailand, which has received a new low-profile version of the ATMOS. The Israel Defense Forces are also interested, but as happened with many armies in recent years, spending on artillery modernization has been delayed. ATMOS has been developed as an autonomous and open system that can be integrated on every suitable truck, a concept that was proven even in ‘limited editions’ comprising a small number of trucks.

At a weight of less than one ton, and soft recoil technology, Garuda 105 can be mounted on light tactical vehicles such as this HMMWV. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update
At a weight of less than one ton, and soft recoil technology, Garuda 105 can be mounted on light tactical vehicles such as this HMMWV. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense-Update

GARUDA 105, an ultra light light weight mobile gun system was displayed by Bharat Forge, based on an indigenous design. At a gross weight of one ton (compared to three tons for other, average artillery pieces) the Indian Garuda 105 incorporates soft recoil technology that enables it to mount on standard tactical vehicles such as HMMWV or other prime movers.

The Mobile Gun System proposed by Tata Power uses the G6 155mm/52Cal gun developed by Denel. Photo: Tamir Eshel. Defense-Update.
The Mobile Gun System proposed by Tata Power uses the G6 155mm/52Cal gun developed by Denel. Photo: Tamir Eshel. Defense-Update.

Tata Power is also competing with a truck mounted G6 gun from Denel. Tata power is responsible for the design, development and manufacturing of the system; the understructure, hydraulics, fire control. The company will locally produce the barrel, breech system and muzzle break, gun, based on technology transfer provided by Denel. The gun system is fitted with an automatic rammer, feeding from a three-round magazine, and an integrated crane for ammunition loading. The laying and navigation system comprises of Ring Laser Gyro inertial sensor and weapon management system.