Indian Army Pioneers Deployment of Ramjet-Powered 155 mm Artillery Shells
The Indian Army is set to become the first military force globally to deploy ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery shells, marking a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in defense. This technological breakthrough is expected to enhance the range of current artillery ammunition by 30–50 percent while maintaining its effectiveness.
The innovative technology is being developed in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, with support from the Army Technology Board (ATB). Once implemented, this advancement will substantially boost the firepower, range, and operational flexibility of the Indian Army's artillery units.
Professor P. A. Ramakrishna from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras explained that a ramjet operates as an air-breathing engine that does not require turbines or compressors. It relies on the shell being launched to speeds of approximately Mach 2 using an artillery gun. At this velocity, air entering the engine is naturally compressed, fuel is ignited, and thrust is produced, which allows the shell to maintain propulsion and significantly extend its range.
Importantly, the ramjet component can be added to existing 155 mm shells, allowing for quick deployment without the need for new artillery systems.
The ramjet-assisted artillery shell has already undergone successful developmental tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan and continues to be refined with advanced testing. Once the technology is fully developed, it can be integrated with any 155 mm artillery gun in the Indian Army's arsenal, including systems like the M777 howitzer, enhancing long-range strike capabilities across diverse terrains such as mountains and deserts.
The modernization of the Indian Army's artillery focuses on increased range, improved precision, and enhanced lethality. The ramjet-powered shell aligns with these objectives by:
| Extending artillery reach deep into enemy territory |
| Enhancing precision strike capability |
| Reducing dependence on rockets for medium-range targets |
| Strengthening deterrence along contested borders |
India currently operates artillery guns in various calibers, including 105 mm, 122 mm, 130 mm, and 155 mm, with the 155 mm caliber serving as the mainstay of its modern medium artillery. The new shell is poised to provide a strategic advantage to these guns.
Although ramjet propulsion is already utilized in advanced missiles, its application in artillery ammunition on this scale is unprecedented. Defense experts suggest that the success of the Indian Army could redefine global artillery strategies, positioning India as a leader in next-generation gun-launched munitions.
Once the ramjet-powered 155 mm shell is inducted, it will represent a remarkable achievement that merges indigenous innovation, academic collaboration, and battlefield utility, furthering India's journey towards self-reliant military capabilities.
