Introduction
Artillery has long served as a vital component of military strategy, offering firepower and support to ground forces. Recent technological advancements, notably the introduction of Precision Guided Munitions (PGMs), have revolutionised artillery capabilities, enhancing their effectiveness in modern warfare.
As the geopolitical landscape undergoes transformations, military strategies must adapt accordingly. Insights gleaned from ongoing conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, shed light on the importance of PGMs in modern warfare.i The Indian Army (IA) is actively incorporating lessons learned from this conflict to bolster its own artillery capabilities.
Undoubtedly, one of the most pivotal developments in the twentieth-century warfare has been the emergence of precision weapons. These weapons, capable of targeting individual objectives with accuracy, rely on external guidance or their own guidance systems. Capable of being launched from various platforms including aircraft, ships, submarines, and cannons, precision weapons exemplify the principle of posing a low-cost threat that necessitates a high-cost and complex defence.ii
Precision has long been recognised as a critical attribute in weapon development, with accuracy of aim being one of the five key attributes alongside range of action, striking power, volume of fire, and portability. In modern times, precision weapons represent a convergence of these attributes, combining them into a formidable arsenal. This underscores their pivotal role in contemporary military operations.
Precision weapons have redefined the concept of mass in warfare by providing density, resulting in a more efficient measurement of force. Every shot fired by precision weapons is aimed at a specific target, eliminating wastage. Ideally, each shot should find its mark, maximising the impact and effectiveness of military operations.
Historical Perspective
Efforts to develop practical precision guided weapons date back to the First World War, but they began to appear in udimentary yet significant forms during the Second World War. Subsequent conflicts, including Korea and Vietnam, further advanced the generation of these weapons, which are now incorporated into the arsenals of many nations. PGMs have been at the centre of numerous ‘Transformation Initiatives’ aimed at enhancing the combat effectiveness of armed forces. Their unprecedented accuracy and lethality were demonstrated during Operation Desert Shield, and then during the current Russia-Ukraine war solidifying their status as a crucial component of modern military operations.
Key Takeaways from the Russia-Ukraine War
- Emphasis on PGMs.Any war underscores the significance of having more precision and Terminally Guided Munitions (TGMs) in the army’s inventory. The effectiveness of PGMs, such as NATO’s HIMARS system, demonstrated the value of combining artillery with precise targeting capabilities. These munitions allow for greater efficiency and reduced collateral damage compared to traditional artillery.
- Judicious Mix of Rockets and Guns. A balanced mix of rockets and guns is crucial for effective firepower, considering that 80% of war casualties were caused by artillery fire. Battlefield Transparency. Real-time situational awareness is critical for identifying, acquiring, and engaging targets quickly, thus, enhancing survivability and decision-making efficiency.
- Advanced Technologies. Niche technology equipment, including loiter munitions, swarm drones, counter-drone systems, communication systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, play a significant role in precise analysis and target engagement.
- Robust Capacity Building: Preparations for prolonged operations require indigenously produced arms and surge
production capability when needed.
Need for Smart Ammunition
Efforts to modernise military capabilities enable more rapid and precise execution of operations, underscoring the importance of not only firepower but also heightened lethality assurance. Ammunition plays a critical role in influencing the three fundamental aspects of firepower, range, accuracy, and lethality, with the objective of effectively neutralising fortified targets like bunkers, tanks, and Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) while minimising collateral damage through optimal projectile usage. PGMsfacilitate effects-based operations by enabling the targeting of obscured objectives behind terrain features or on reverse slopes, a task achievable through aerial reconnaissance by army aviation helicopters or unarmed aerial vehicles. Precision Guided Munitions: A Game-Changer PGMs hold immense potential to revolutionise India’s future military operations for several compelling reasons. Firstly, they offer vastly improved precision compared to traditional munitions, contrasting with conventional artillery shells that rely solely on ballistic trajectories and are prone to inaccuraciesenabling precise targeting of enemy high value assets while minimising collateral damage. This would bolster the nation’s reputation and adherence to International Humanitarian Laws. Moreover the heightened accuracy of PGMs reduces the necessity for large quantities of munitions to achieve desired effects, resulting in cost savings and logistical efficiencies for the Indian military. Additionally, PGMs provide greater flexibility and adaptability across various operational scenarios, including counterterrorism, border security, and anti-insurgency efforts, thereby, enhancing India’s capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats.
In recent years, the IA has made significant strides towards precision engagement for artillery. The acquisition of cutting-edge artillery systems such as the M777 ultra-light howitzers and the K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers has bolstered the army’s firepower capabilities. These platforms are equipped with sophisticated targeting systems and can deploy a variety of PGMs, including laser-guided and Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided munitions.
Furthermore, the Indian Institute of Technology is currently developing a course-correctible fuse, and indigenous vendors are being encouraged to develop similar munitions to reduce reliance on foreign powers. Key requirements for these munitions include compatibility with existing systems, efficient ballistic performance, and accuracy within a 30-meter radius. IA officials are revising artillery doctrines and procurement plans to prioritise PGMs and niche technologies such as loiter munitions, swarm drones, counter-drone systems, and communication systems.
Benefits and Challenges
Precision munitions offer numerous benefits to decisionmakers, including heightened accuracy, increased kill probability, and reduced ammunition expenditure. They enable quicker engagement of targets and enhance efficiency against specific objectives, providing closer support to own troops while minimising collateral damage particularly crucial in scenarios where civilian populations and infrastructure must be safeguardedreducing operational costs. Additionally, they introduce an element of surprise to military actions and enhance weapon platform survivability, collectively empowering decisionmakers with greater confidence and effectiveness in executing military operations.
The adoption of PGMs by Indian artillery units will transform the conduct of battles. With the capability to accurately target enemy positions, infrastructure, and personnel, PGMs will enable the IA to achieve strategic objectives with precision.
Furthermore, PGMs will afford the IA increased operational flexibility, enabling artillery units to engage targets across extended ranges and diverse terrain conditions. Whether in mountainous regions along the Line of Control or in the vast plains of the desert, PGMs provide commanders with the means to deliver precise and effective fire support to ground forces.
Despite the enhancements they bring, challenges persist with the adoption of PGMs. These include the ongoing need
for investment in training and infrastructure, along with the development of indigenous PGM technology to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Additionally, the integration of PGMs into joint operational doctrines and exercises is crucial to maximising their effectiveness on the battlefield.
Types of Munitions
TGMs
- TGMs, equipped with an integrated guidance system and a separate laser designator, present a potent solution for engaging high-value targets, whether stationary or mobile, that conventional munitions struggle to effectively neutralise. These targets encompass a broad spectrum of assets, including tanks, ICVs, assault equipment, radar and missile sites, communication centres, and pillboxes. TGMs, thus, offer precision and adaptability in targeting critical enemy assets across diverse operational environments, thereby enhancing the efficacy and lethality of military operations.
- However, TGMs face limitations on various fronts including cost, storage requirements, and shelf-life concerns which can pose logistical hurdles for military forces. Additionally, while precise laser target designations are essential for successful engagements, challenges such as the speed of target acquisition and adverse weather conditions can impede their effectiveness. Moreover, the potential for human errors in target designation or guidance presents a risk to mission success. Furthermore, TGMs may encounter limitations when employed against larger targets, necessitating careful consideration of their capabilities and constraints in operational planning.
- The Excalibur projectile, co-developed by Raytheon and BAE Systems Bofors, is a true precision weapon, impacting at a radial miss distance of less than 2 m from the target. Unlike ‘Near Precision’ guidance systems, the Excalibur provides accurate first-round effects at all ranges in all weather conditions. This weapon system also extends the reach of .39-calibre artillery to 40 km, .52-caliber artillery to 50 km, and .58-caliber artillery to 70 km. By using the Excalibur projectile’s level of precision, there is a dramatic reduction in the time, cost and logistical burden associated with other artillery munitions. Analyses have shown that on average, it can take at least ten conventional munitions to accomplish what one Excalibur weapon can. The Excalibur munition is compatible with every 155m howitzer including the M777.iii
Sensor Fused Munitions (SFMs)
- SFMs provide a specialised solution for engaging stationary or armoured vehicles with a distinct infrared signature, employing multiple submunitions, each equipped with its own guidance systems to locate and track the target. This type of ammunition is particularly effective for targeting tanks, ICVs, self-propelled guns, rocket launchers, and similar high-value assets, with desert and obstacle-laden terrain offering optimal conditions for their deployment.
- However, SFMs face several limitations, including a restricted scan area and difficulties in achieving precise target fixation within 100-200 meters. Additionally, these munitions lack the ability to differentiate between friend or foe, increasing the risk of unintended casualties or incidents of friendly fire. Moreover, the smaller size of submunitions compared to unitary high-explosive anti-tank ammunition reduces their effectiveness against targets. Furthermore, sensor-fused munitions are associated with high costs, necessitate special storage conditions, and have a limited shelf life, posing logistical and financial challenges for the military.
- An example of sensor-fused munitions for artillery is the M898 SADARM (Sense and Destroy Armour) artillery shell. The SADARM shell, with an electronic time fuse, is fired from a normal 155 mm artillery gun, set to burst at 1,000 m above the target to release two SADARM submunitions. Once the submunition is ejected from the projectile, a parachute opens to de-spin and slow the submunition. A second parachute then deploys, and as it spins, its sensors, comprising of a millimetrewave radar, a passive radiometer, and an infrared telescope, sweep a decreasing spiral track beneath the submunition to scan an area about 150 m in diameter. When the submunition detects a target, its charge is detonated, to project an explosively formed penetrator that has enough energy to penetrate the thin top armour of most main battle tanks. If the submunition reaches the ground before it finds a target it self-destructs.iv
Trajectory Correctible munitions (TCMs)
- TCMs are distinguished by their capability to seek coordinates with a diminished Circular Error Probable (CEP), facilitated by an inherent guidance and navigation system. These munitions excel in targeting area targets at extended distances, encompassing enemy mechanised columns, artillery, defences on obstacles and mountain ranges, surveillance equipment, headquarters, and logistic echelons. Such munitions are most effective in mountainous and obstacle-ridden terrain, where these types of targets are prevalent, thereby, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of military operations.v
- Course Correctible Fuses (CCF) are engineered to augment the accuracy of inert shells, serving as a crucial element of area precise munitions that can be installed onto existing 155mm shells or 120mm mortar bombs. These fuses utilise a blend of GPS, Inertial Navigation System (INS), or MillimetreWave radar guidance, in conjunction with control surfaces, to achieve a CEP of under 50 meters. By integrating advanced guidance technologies, CCFsenhance the precision and efficacy of artillery munitions, enabling more precise targeting of enemy positions and bolstering the overall combat capabilities of military forces.
- The limitations of CCFs and TCMs are multifaceted. These munitions heavily rely on GPS for accurate guidance, which can be vulnerable to disruption through jamming or spoofing, leading to potential inaccuracies in target location. Furthermore, in scenarios where the firing gun and the target share the same grid, there is a risk of target location errors, further complicating the effectiveness of these munitions. Additionally, when employed against large targets, such as expansive enemy formations or fortified structures, these munitions may
encounter challenges in achieving desired effects. Moreover, the relatively small control surfaces of these munitions constrain their manoeuvrability, potentially diminishing their ability to precisely engage targets. Finally, the technology underpinning these munitions is still evolving and has yet to be universally embraced, indicating ongoing hurdles in their development and deployment on the battlefield. - The Northrop Grumman Corporation Precision Guidance Kit replaces conventional fuses for artillery and mortar munitions, transforming them into GPS- PGMs. These weapons on the battlefield can ensure near perfect accuracy while reducing the risk of collateral damage. Precision Guidance Kit – Extended Range provides the accuracy and reliability of the original capability updated for the battlefield of the future.vi
The Debate over Precision Munitions
The debate over precision munitions in the Indian context encompasses several key questions and considerations. Firstly, there is the question of how effective artillery-delivered precision munitions would be at the tactical level and how they would be integrated into the targeting process. Additionally, there is a discussion surrounding how the RISTA (Reconnaissance, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition) process can be aligned to achieve precision engagements effectively. Another important aspect is the development of capabilities to engage moving targets with precision munitions. Moreover, the debate involves considerations regarding the scaling of precision and conventional munitions, and what ratio should be maintained between them. Lastly, there is a focus on how a balanced mix of precision, conventional, and smart munitions can be delivered in future conflicts to ensure optimal effectiveness and flexibility in military operations.
Conclusion
In summary, precision munitions signify a pivotal transformation in contemporary warfare, offering substantial benefits when deployed strategically. Their capacity to enhance kill probability, minimise collateral damage, and alleviate logistical burdens allows for precise strikes against terrorist hideouts, notably when utilised from Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles. The evolution of precision munitions is evident in their escalating usage by the US military, with percentages escalating from 0.2 per cent in Vietnam to 56 per cent in conflicts such as Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan.vii While precision munitions may not be suited for massed fires and can be costly, their indispensability in current conflicts is undeniable, given their vital role in reducing collateral damage and optimising operational effectiveness.
The adoption of PGMs by artillery units in the Indian context represents a substantial advancement in military technology and capability. With their capacity to deliver precise and lethal firepower, PGMs have revolutionised battlefield tactics, furnishing the IA with a decisive advantage in modern warfare scenarios. As technology continues to progress, the integration of PGMs into artillery operations will remain a cornerstone of India’s defence strategy, ensuring the nation’s capability to deter and respond to emerging threats proficiently.
i Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari addresses 79th Staff Course at Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, https://psucornner.com/chief-of-airstaff-air-chief-marshal-vr-chaudhari-addresses-79th-staff-course-at-defence-services-staff-college-wellington/
ii United States Missiles & Munition Fuses, https://aviationanddefencemarketreports.com/product/united-states-missiles-munition-fuses-market/
iii Excalibur Projectile, https://www.rtx.com/raytheon/what-we-do/land/excalibur-projectile#:~:text=The%20Excalibur%20projectile%2C%20co%2Ddeveloped,ranges%20in%20all%20weather%20conditions.
iv Maj PV Krishnan (Retd), PRECISION GUIDED ARTILLERY MUNITIONS IN FUTURE WARFARE, https://www.defstrat.com/magazine_articles/precision-guided-artillery-munitions-in-future-warfare/
v Military Detonators Market Size, Growth Analysis: Analyzing Growth and Forecasting Outlook from 2024-2031, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/military-detonators-market-size-growth-dptce/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card
vi Guided Projectiles and Precision Weapons, https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/advanced-weapons/guided-projectiles-and-precision-weapons
vii The Evolution of Precision Strike, https://csbaonline.org/uploads/documents/Evolution-of-Precision-Strike-final-v15.pdf
