India's Artillery Industry Seeks to Make a Mark in Africa

Ethiopia's Artillery Modernization Efforts Gain Momentum

The Ethiopian military is undergoing a significant transformation, with the country seeking to replace its ageing Soviet-era towed howitzers with modern Indian artillery guns. This development marks a significant shift in the region's military landscape, with India's flourishing artillery industry poised to gain from the lucrative export deal.

A Legacy of Soviet-Era Artillery

Ethiopia's military has long relied on Soviet-era artillery pieces, including the D-30 and M-30 122mm towed howitzers. While these weapons have proven effective on the battlefield, they are increasingly becoming outdated and less suitable for modern combat. Their limited mobility and reliance on towing make them less effective in fast-paced combat scenarios.

India's Artillery Industry Steps Up

India's artillery industry is well-positioned to capitalize on Ethiopia's modernization efforts. Companies like Bharat Forge, Kalyani Strategic Systems, and Tata Advanced Systems are presenting potential options, including the MArG-52, ATAGS, and Dhanush. These systems offer improved mobility, fire control, and tactical mobility, making them more suitable for modern combat.

The MArG-52: A 155mm/52-Calibre Mounted Artillery System

The MArG-52 is a 155mm/52-calibre mounted artillery system developed by Bharat Forge and Kalyani Strategic Systems. Its truck-based architecture offers improved mobility, allowing for quicker deployment and repositioning after firing. This system is an attractive option for countries seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities.

The ATAGS: A High-Mobility Artillery System

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a 155mm/52-calibre gun designed for high mobility, long-range fire support, and operations across various terrains. Its digital command-and-control architecture and advanced fire control systems make it an attractive option for countries seeking to enhance their artillery capabilities.

Dhanush: A 155mm Howitzer with Indigenous Upgrades

The Dhanush 155mm howitzer is based on the Indian Army's experience with the Bofors system but incorporates numerous indigenous upgrades. This system offers improved fire control, tactical mobility, and reliability, making it an attractive option for countries seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities.

India's Defence Exports Gain Momentum

India's defence exports are gaining momentum, with the country seeking to boost its exports across the Global South. Indian artillery systems have become an important component of this effort, offering a combination of modern firepower, competitive pricing, and potential for industrial collaboration. For Ethiopia, Indian systems could provide access to 155mm artillery, improved fire control systems, modern communications, and increased tactical mobility.

Key Takeaways

• Ethiopia is seeking to replace its ageing Soviet-era towed howitzers with modern Indian artillery guns.
• India's artillery industry is poised to gain from the lucrative export deal, with companies like Bharat Forge, Kalyani Strategic Systems, and Tata Advanced Systems presenting potential options.
• The MArG-52, ATAGS, and Dhanush are attractive options for countries seeking to modernize their artillery capabilities.
• India's defence exports are gaining momentum, with the country seeking to boost its exports across the Global South.
• Indian artillery systems offer a combination of modern firepower, competitive pricing, and potential for industrial collaboration.