Indian Army approves procurement of high mobility gun towing vehicles

Indian Army has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AON) for the procurement of High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles (GTV), or commonly known as Artillery tractors, under the 'Buy (Indian-IDDM)' category, on October 20.

The platform, as per the AoN, will undergo Field Evaluation Trials (FET) in accordance with the DAP 2020 guidelines. Key features include the ability to tow loads up to 20 tons, a six-crew capacity cabin, a 2-ton Material Handling Crane (MHC) for ammunition handling, and will also incorporate a power drive winch for self-recovery through sand patches.The acquisition will enhance Army’s operational readiness in various terrains.

In a related development, on September 28, the Indian Army proposed a substantial Rs 6,500 crore deal to the Defence Ministry for the procurement of 400 howitzers from domestic manufacturers. This initiative aligns with the overarching goal of fortifying the country's defence capabilities through the production of a more agile and versatile 155 mm/52 calibre Towed Gun System (TGS).

Senior military officials have indicated that a proposal for the acquisition of 400 units of the 155mm 52 calibre TGS and associated towing vehicles, all under the Buy Indian-IDDM category, has been submitted to the Defence Ministry. 

Notably, the procurement process emphasises the Buy Indian-IDDM category, which underscores the Army's ‘commitment’ to prioritising indigenous weaponry. This move is part of a broader trend in recent years, which has witnessed the introduction of advanced howitzer systems such as Dhanush, Sharang, Ultra Light Howitzers (ULH), and K-9 Vajra.

However, it's worth noting that the AON issued for the artillery towing vehicles pertains specifically to medium-caliber artillery, including the 130 mm towed field guns M-46 and their variants produced by the Ordnance Factory, commonly referred to as Sharang. The Sharang also has an 'upgunned' 155mm version in use by the Indian Army's medium artillery regiment. In later stages, after the induction of the ATAGS, these artillery tractors could be used to tow those artillery equipment as well, as these fall within its 20-tonne carrying capacity.