Army fire power gets booster shot

Army fire power gets booster shot

News:

1. The Army recently inducted M777 Ultra Light Howitzers, K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery gun, common gun tower giving a boost to the defence capabilities.

Important Facts:

2. About M777 Ultra Light Howitzers:

• This is the first artillery gun systems in three decades after the Bofors guns procured from Sweden in the early 1980s.
• These are procured from the U.S. The M777 is a 155-mm, 39-calibre towed artillery gun. It weighs just four tonnes, making it transportable underslung from helicopters.
• The M777 brings a new level of capability to the artillery unit by offering rapid deployment and extreme accuracy.
• Howitzer deal with U.S. : India signed a $737-million deal with the U.S. in November 2016 under the Foreign Military Sales Programme for 145 M777 Ultra Light Howitzers.
• Twenty-five guns will be imported and the rest will be assembled in India in partnership with an indigenous company (Mahindra Group). Deliveries will be completed by mid-2021.

3. About K9 Vajra-T :

• The K9 Vajra-T is a 155-mm, 52-calibre self-propelled gun with a maximum range of 40 km.
• It has been customised from the original K9 Thunder.
• Its fire control system has been customised for desert conditions.
• Under the agreement, the first 10 guns will be imported from South Korea and the rest will be indigenously made and 100 guns will be delivered by November 2020.

4. About common gun tower:

• It is a 6×6 vehicle with cross-country capability.
• Produced indigenously it is required to tow the medium guns.