India Trains Cambodian Army on Dhanush Artillery System for Second Time This Year

Indian Army Trains Cambodian Personnel in Indigenous Dhanush Artillery System

The Indian Army has concluded a four-week training programme for six officers and 19 other ranks from the Royal Cambodian Army on the 155mm/45-calibre Dhanush artillery gun, marking the second such training session for Cambodian personnel in India. The Tailor Made Course, which concluded on October 3, is the latest in a series of events that have sparked speculation about the possibility of Cambodia acquiring the indigenous artillery system.

The training programme, which focused on gunnery, operational, and maintenance procedures, is significant not only because of its repeat nature but also because of its comprehensive scope. The Cambodian personnel were trained not only in firing and gunnery procedures but also in the operation and maintenance of the Dhanush, areas typically relevant to personnel who would be expected to operate and support the weapon.

The Dhanush is a 155mm/45-calibre towed howitzer developed by the Ordnance Factory system in India, with its design derived from the technology base of the Bofors 155mm gun used by the Indian Army. The system has been gradually inducted into Indian service and is set to provide greater indigenous manufacturing content in the Army's towed artillery fleet.

For Cambodia, the Dhanush system could offer a modern 155mm artillery capability, as well as open the door to Indian training and logistical support. The two Cambodian training batches, therefore, provide an interesting signal, particularly as the programme has been described specifically as a Tailor Made Course on the Dhanush Gun System.

While the Indian side has not announced any Cambodian order for the gun, nor is there indication that Phnom Penh has selected the Dhanush, the nature of the training is also significant. Such training can be conducted for familiarisation or professional exchange, so it should not be taken as evidence of a signed procurement agreement. However, if Cambodian Army personnel continue to receive special Dhanush training in India, it could indicate that the system is being looked at more closely by Phnom Penh.

The Dhanush training programme is part of a broader effort by the Indian Army to promote its indigenous defence capabilities, particularly in the area of artillery systems. The system's development has been driven by the need to enhance the Indian Army's firepower and mobility, and it is expected to play a key role in the country's future military modernisation plans.

The Cambodian Army's interest in the Dhanush system is also significant in the context of regional defence dynamics. Cambodia has been seeking to modernise its military capabilities in recent years, and the acquisition of a modern artillery system like the Dhanush could be an important step in this process.

In conclusion, the Indian Army's training programme for Cambodian personnel on the Dhanush artillery system has sparked speculation about the possibility of Cambodia acquiring the system. While the Indian side has not announced any Cambodian order for the gun, the nature of the training is significant and could indicate that the system is being looked at more closely by Phnom Penh.

Key Takeaways

• The Indian Army has concluded a four-week training programme for six officers and 19 other ranks from the Royal Cambodian Army on the 155mm/45-calibre Dhanush artillery gun.
• The training programme is the second such session for Cambodian personnel in India and has sparked speculation about the possibility of Cambodia acquiring the indigenous artillery system.
• The Dhanush is a 155mm/45-calibre towed howitzer developed by the Ordnance Factory system in India, with its design derived from the technology base of the Bofors 155mm gun used by the Indian Army.
• The system has been gradually inducted into Indian service and is set to provide greater indigenous manufacturing content in the Army's towed artillery fleet.
• The Cambodian Army's interest in the Dhanush system could be an important step in the country's efforts to modernise its military capabilities.