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‘Dhanush, India’s first indigenous long-range artillery gun’

  • Category
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    5th Feb, 2020

The Dhanush gun system was showcased for the first time at the 71st Republic Day parade.

Context

Context

The Dhanush gun system was showcased for the first time at the 71st Republic Day parade.

About

About Dhanush:

  • Dhanush, the 155 mm/45-calibre gun system is a towed Howitzer designed indigenously by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB).
  • It is the first long-range artillery gun to be produced in India and has been billed as a success of the government’s Make in India
  • Hitting range: The gun has a maximum range of 36.5 km and has the capability of automatic alignment and positioning.
  • It is equipped with:
    • an inertial navigation-based sighting system
    • an auto-laying facility
    • an onboard ballistic computation
    • an advanced day and night direct firing system
  • Apart from the above, the gun is also fitted with an inertial navigation system with global positioning system- (GPS) based gun recording and auto-playing, an enhanced tactical computer for onboard ballistic computations, an onboard muzzle velocity recording, an automated gun sighting system equipped with the camera, thermal imaging and laser range finder. 
  • Joint effort: It is a joint effort by the OFB, the Army, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Directorate General Quality Assurance, PSUs Bharat Electronics Limited, SAIL, and private firms.

Desi-Bofors: 

  • Dhanush is an improved version of the FH-77B 155 mm/39-calibre field howitzers that were originally produced by AB Bofors of Sweden, which is now BAE Systems.
  • It is compatible with all North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 155 mm ammunition system. 
  • Referred to as 'desi Bofors', Dhanush is the first long-range artillery gun to be produced under the 'Make in India' initiative.
  • A comparison chart of Technical features of Dhanush is as given below:

Significance of Dhanush for India:

  • Difficult terrain: Dhanush’s lightweight (13 tonnes), makes it easy to mobilize in hilly terrain and remote areas.
  • Operational in all climatic conditions: Being a versatile weapon, it can operate in all climatic conditions.
  • Enhancing the Army’s power: It is the first long-range artillery gun to be produced in the country.  It will significantly enhance the Army's firepower.

Other important display:

  • Other than Dhanush artillery, the Anti-Satellite (ASAT) missile also made an appearance for the first time.
    • With space becoming a vital dimension of any country's economic and military superiority, A-SAT (Anti-Satellite) weapons play a critical role in providing the necessary strategic deterrence.
    • In March last year, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) launched 'Mission Shakti', India's first A-SAT mission and demonstrated its anti-satellite technology.
  • The K9 Vajra, another indigenous gun system inducted in the Indian Army, was also seen at the parade this year.
  • The short-span bridging system and the Sarvatra Bridge system was also displayed.
  • Heavylift helicopter Chinook and attack helicopter Apache, both recently inducted in the Indian Air Force (IAF), also made a debut in the parade.
    • The Chinooks can airlift diverse loads in remote locations.
    • The Apache, on the other hand, is a versatile helicopter capable of firing air to air and air to ground missiles, rockets and front gun aided through fire control radar which can unleash havoc on the adversary.

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