Indian Army Opens New Firing Range in Arunachal Pradesh Amidst Modernisation Efforts
The Indian Army has set up a new high-altitude firing range in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh. This range will help the Army practice firing howitzers and other important weapon systems. A top official from the Indian Army, the Director General of the Regiment of Artillery, announced this development.
The new range comes at a time of military standoff with China, which began in May-June 2020. The Army is also planning to establish another range along the Northern borders with China.
Modernisation Plans
The Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery is undergoing rapid modernisation. The modernisation plan aligns with the ‘Atmanirbharta’ drive, focusing on ‘Modernisation through Indigenisation.’ The standard calibre for all gun systems will be 155 mm.
Several 155 mm calibre guns have been inducted, including the Ultra-Light Howitzer (ULH), K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Sharang. The ULH is lightweight and can be transported by helicopters, making it ideal for Northern borders. The K-9 Vajra is suited for mechanised operations. The Dhanush is an upgraded version of the Bofors Gun, and the Sharang has been upgraded from 130 mm to 155 mm calibre.
More K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, and Sharang gun systems will be inducted soon. The Army is also planning to induct the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Mounted Gun System (MGS), and Towed Gun System (TGS). The ATAGS contract is expected to be concluded soon, with trials for MGS and TGS likely to start in 2025.
The MGS has crew and ammunition on board and features a shoot-and-scoot capability, while the TGS is lighter and more versatile.
Doubts Revealed
Indian Army -: The Indian Army is the land-based branch of the Indian Armed Forces. They protect our country from threats and help during emergencies.
Firing Range -: A firing range is a special place where soldiers practice shooting their guns and other weapons to improve their skills.
Arunachal Pradesh -: Arunachal Pradesh is a state in the northeastern part of India. It shares a border with China.
Modernisation Efforts -: Modernisation efforts mean updating and improving old equipment and methods to make them better and more effective.
Tawang sector -: The Tawang sector is a region in Arunachal Pradesh, known for its high altitude and strategic importance.
Howitzers -: Howitzers are big guns that can shoot shells over long distances. They are used by the army to hit targets far away.
Tensions with China -: Tensions with China refer to disagreements and conflicts between India and China, especially along their shared border.
Artillery -: Artillery refers to large, powerful guns and missile launchers used by the army to support soldiers in battle.
155 mm calibre guns -: 155 mm calibre guns are a type of large artillery gun. The number 155 mm refers to the diameter of the gun’s barrel.
Ultra-Light Howitzer -: The Ultra-Light Howitzer is a lightweight, powerful gun that can be easily moved and used in difficult terrains.
K-9 Vajra -: The K-9 Vajra is a self-propelled artillery gun, meaning it can move on its own and doesn’t need to be towed by another vehicle.
Dhanush -: Dhanush is an Indian-made artillery gun, designed to be very accurate and powerful.
Sharang -: Sharang is another type of artillery gun used by the Indian Army, known for its long range and effectiveness.
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems -: These are new, advanced types of artillery guns that need to be pulled by vehicles to move them to different locations.
Mounted Gun Systems -: Mounted Gun Systems are guns that are fixed onto vehicles, making them mobile and easier to use in different places.
Trials -: Trials are tests conducted to make sure new equipment works properly before it is used by the army.