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

Context

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

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.