The current Russia – Ukraine conflict has once again affirmed at the politico strategic level, the relevance and probability of conventional wars, especially between nations that have unresolved border disputes. At the operational level, it has reestablished the importance of Firepower and Artillery in the conventional battle field. Modern artillery with technologically advanced amunitions, can execute long range precision engagements, with devastating accuracy and lethality, in addition to the classical task of area neutralization. Smart munitions have increased these capabilities manifold and the use of guided sub munitions in carrier projectiles, has further increased the terminal effectiveness of firepower. Terminal guidance through Airborne platforms or GPS guidance, has added another dimension to Artillery GFS (Gun Fire Support).
In the case of India, employment and application of artillery has unique challenges. Its contested and active borders with two inimical neighbors- China and Pakistan, demands a very nuanced approach in the application of fire power. The terrain astride the Indian borders varies from glaciers at 16000 to 18000 feet, to mountains, hills, developed terrain akin to Europe, deserts and jungles. And this coupled with extremes of climate, at differing altitudes and terrain profiles, have a major impact on employment and efficacy of artillery fire. These have distinctive impact on artillery observation & direction of artillery fire, results in enhanced ranges in rarefied atmosphere at high altitudes, negatively impacts effectiveness of advanced munitions in deserts and jungle terrain and has differing challenges to equipment maintenance and performance in unpredictable and extreme climatic conditions. These require experientially measured specific modulations in artillery employment and application of fire, with unorthodox equipment maintenance and calibration.
105mm Mounted Gun of TASL
Army Akash Launcher of TASL
ATAGS of TASL
LORROS Optical system of TASL
MGS fired in 2014
MRSAM Army Launcher of TASL
A lot has been written, discussed and implemented, on the measures instituted by the Indian Army to mitigate these challenges. Primarily, because the Indian Army has a deep repository of experiential knowledge, of artillery employment/engagement, as a result of three major wars, 1999 Kargil conflict, frequent trans LC arty duels on the western borders and sporadic border engagements/ skirmishes astride India’s contested borders.
Therefore, in this article the endeavour is to look at the technological trends in modern Artillery systems, which to a large extent are being adopted by multiple Indian corporates/industries, in furthering Atmanirbharta in Defence, specifically for artillery war fighting capabilities.
Pinaka Launcher of TASL
Modern Gun Systems
Gone are the days of simple hydraulics in the Artillery Gun, that were manually controlled, deployed and fired on firing data, physically calculated on special fire control instruments. Today’s modern artillery gun, like the modern automobile, is a Software Defined System, with all functionalities defined in software. Totraverse the gun, a Gun Control computer (GCC) receives the traverse angle, from the Fire Control system (FCS) and the barrel assembly is electrically (electric actuators) moved to the desired azimuth, to an accuracy of ½ a mil. This movement in azimuth is executed initially with speed and then smoothly, with slow precision. The elevation function of the gun is also executed in a similar manner. All movements are through electric systems controlled by servo motors, executing a PID control algorithm with sensor feedback. All these electric systems are all weather and require minimal maintenance and are agnostic to the terrain and climatic conditions, unlike the hydraulic systems used in most gun systems. Also, a software defined Gun system can be field upgraded for features and parameters.
Safety has been built into a modern artillery gun system with the help of on-board IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) – a
network of rugged sensors and associated embedded software. The various sensors are in real time sensing temperature, pressure, stress, strain, movements etc, continuously and in case of any discrepancy/malfunction, sends an alarm signal to the gun control computer, which in turn analyses the sensor data and takes appropriate action to avoid any safety issues. To further elaborate this aspect, let us look at the phenomenon of cook-off fire in a gun system. To avoid this, there are multiple accurate barrel chamber temperature measurement sensors, that at the pre fixated limit, activate the GCC and inhibit loading of the charge or shell. In fact, the ramming of shell/charge and operations at the weapon are aborted with visual and audio warnings. Operations can only be resumed after the chamber reaches safe temperature or with a manual override. To avoid accidents due to fatigue of critical components, the status of parts/ sub systems is continuously monitored through special sensors and indicators, and safety measures are activated automatically.
Edge AI is being employed in a Gun system to predict failures of subsystems. A Micro Machine Learning model trained with adequate data, does this in real-time, through an embedded Edge AI in the Gun system that functions without consultation to external servers or applications on the Internet. Undoubtedly technological modulations have taken preventive safety to another level. Also, Edge AI with narrow domain trained ML models can be used for target identification and recognition, using on-board EO payload and/or Radar, bringing autonomy to Gun systems. However, it is to be noted that AI systems cannot execute fire automatically, but only provides decision assist to Gunner and the man in the loop has to finally pull the trigger to fire.
Net centric warfare is order of the day but Autonomous Gun systems have a critical role in this firepower intense environment. It is for this reason that it is fitted with an on-board ballistic computer, that calculates the firing data for engaging designated targets, while incorporating necessary corrections for prevailing meteorological conditions and types of ammunition. The target data is acquired through on board sensor payloads or received through communication links of the GCC, directly from the OP. Subsequent functions are thereafter, automatically executed through command exchange between the FCS and GCC.
To enhance battlefield survivability of the modern artillery gun system, the round to round is being computed on board the firing platform, with the use of radar and advanced sensors. As the traditional process of ranging of artillery fire takes time and makes the equipment susceptible to counter battery fire from the enemy. The technological trend noted in the newly employed MSTA S35 by Russia, is to use a suitably located radar on the gun (easier in SP Gun mounts), to track the trajectory of the fired shell as it exits the barrel and calculate its deviation from the target with the on-board ballistic computer. Because of this, the second shell can be fired very quickly with the right correction to neutralize/ destroy the target. This also lends to FSE (First Salvo Effectiveness). This is a continuous process, with each subsequent fire being improved from the previous one, accounting for dynamic changes in the TBA.
Mounted Gun systems (MGS) with protected cabins, are getting more popular because of higher protection levels and full automation of the ammunition handling system. Also, INS and GPS based navigation are integrated in the MGS. Towed vs Mounted will continue to be an ongoing debate, but both have a role in the future battlespace.
Smart and long-range artillery munitions are witnessing path breaking developments, through cost effective solutions, like the air breathing Ramjet engine embedded projectiles. These projectiles can attain velocities of 2 to3 Mach and ranges nearly three times the standard ranges. Post conventional charge ignition, the Ramjet takes over for achieving these enhanced ranges. The embedded Guidance subsystem ensures terminal accuracy. This munition indeed will be a game changer but the gun system will have to be tailored to program and fire such smart ammunitions. Indian developments are at par with global developmental initiatives, in this advanced technology.
The Artillery Gun system architecture being a Software Defined system, is a platform with open interfaces, enabling addition/ change of devices, with ease. Typical examples of add-ons are MVR, INS etc ,with their associated software drivers. One can elect to replace an older audio-based MVR with an RF based MVR in the field, with minimal software upgrade of FCS. Ballistics is increasingly getting open with increased adoption of NATO Armaments Ballistics Kernel (NABK), with its four degrees of freedom and modified point mass model(Ballistic standardization adopted in 1995).
It would be fair to state that software defined Gun systems, with all electric subsystems and powerful digital FCS and GCC, coupled with Edge AI, is transforming the conventional Artillery Gun to a modern, powerful and safe weapon system, that is cost effective with enhanced lethality and extremely long ranges. In addition, FCS with accurate Gun positioning systems and accuracy of fire is enhancing effectiveness of artillery fire, as also minimizing collateral damage. The modern Gun is indeed a technology enabled weapon system, that is safe and accurate and easy to operate, with a lower OODA loop.
Electro-Optical Payload, LORROS etc – Passive Sensors
Active sensors like Radars reveal their location and are prone to jamming, therefore passive sensors are being preferred for use with weapon systems and platforms, like Ships, Aircrafts etc. EOSP with the latest cooled TI FPAs and very low NETD(that are less than 25 millikelvin )are used for target acquisition at ranges upto 50 kms. However, it needs to be placed at a height or hoisted on a mast for achieving longer ranges. Cooled TI sensors help achieve range and good quality images and embedded software can track the target and share details with FCS. The FOV (Field of view), range and ability to see through fog, mist and polluted atmosphere passively is a big transition. Whereas, Laser range finders can provide the exact range to the target for accurate engagements.
The EOSPs are rugged and can withstand shock and vibration of a firing gun system. For direct firing, EOSPs are mounted on cradle and move in synchronisation with the barrel. The EOSPs also assist in tracking the fall of shots, which in turn can be used for corrections, to achieve higher accuracies in the modern battlefield.
Rocket Systems
Multi Barrel Rocket Launchers(MBRL) systems are important for area neutralisation. Today, we have indigenous rockets with ranges upto 150 kms. While rockets with ranges of 300 kms, are in advanced stage of development. The rockets carry 100kg warheads and are fitted with a GPS aided guidance kit for terminal guidance, with a CEP of 10m, at150 kms. The indigenous Indian Pinaka MBRL is being currently modified to fire 8 x guided Pinaka rockets, capable of firing at a 2 sec interval, to ranges greater than 70 kms, with a CEP of 10m.
Missile Systems
The artillery inventory has both the tactical ballistic missiles and cruise missiles. Land based cruise missiles are supersonic or subsonic. These missiles are propelled in two stages, with a discardable solid propellant booster engine, at its first stage, to achieve supersonic speed and thereafter a liquid ramjet (air breathing engine), for the second stage, that takes the missile closer to 3 Mach speed in the cruise phase. Stealth technology and guidance system with advanced embedded software, provide the missile with special features. The Indian industry is still grappling with mastering the liquid ramjet technology present in the Brahmos missile. Therefore, the under development two stage, indigenous, all weather sub-sonic cruise missile, for deep penetration and precision strike of high value targets, is using a solid rocket booster for stage1 propulsion and thereafter a turbojet engine. Cruise missile technologies are still a challenge.
Drones, LMs and Anti Drone Systems
Drones have revolutionised the modern battlefield as they can be effectively used for artillery target detection and engagement and general reconnaissance with suitable advanced sensors. These aerial platforms with suitable surveillance payloads, are far more effective than Radars or EOSPs(Electro Optical System Payload) on the weapon system or Command post. For NLOS or BLOS (non or beyond line of sight) communications, drones suitably operating at a height, can be used as relay stations. They can be deployed dynamically based on changing battlefield conditions.
These economical and effective unmanned aerial vehicles, equipped with suitable explosive payloads(Loiter Munitions) have revolutionised today’s warfare. This has been amply displayed in recent and ongoing Ukraine conflict. Where, from tiny drones with very low RCS (Radar Cross Section), to larger versions of drones with increasing explosive payloads, can destroy selected command posts, installations, logistic nodes or weapon platforms. Detection and destruction of these small autonomous flying objects when employed in numbers, is extremely difficult. AI enabled Swarm drones can cause devastation, far beyond their costs. The latest versions have GPS independent navigation.
To counter UAVs/ LMs, there is a requirement of an effective Counter/Anti drone system. It comprises of high precision
low range radars with micro doppler and high frequency radar signals, EM jammers etc. The counter drone systems are ever evolving with capability for kinetic engagement to neutralisation with RF suppression . APS to neutralize UAVs will soon be a standard on most artillery systems.
Conclusion
It is apparent that Artillery will continue to be the critical weapon system for the future warfare. The modern gun systems will be semi-autonomous digital systems with embedded niche technologies, for highest levels of safety and accuracy. Smart ammunition being indigenized, shall play a major role in precision fires. Gun systems are evolving with open architecture and hence cheaper and upgradable in field, with the latest off the shelf technology solutions. Modern Artillery gun systems, will operate with UAVs and LMs and will have built in APS to neutralize enemy drones. Net centric warfare is the future, with option for each weapon system to function autonomously, when required. Plug and fight features that are already present in the weapon platform will permit change of the weapon configuration, in field conditions with utmost ease. Edge AI and other new technologies will assist in greater effectiveness, but man in the loopwill remain as the critical decision maker.
In the end it is reiterated that the Indian Artillery system manufacturers, are at the threshold of carving a niche in the global markets with their products. A painstaking effort of a decade plus, to indigenously manufacture artillery weapon systems. This is in keeping with the nation’s vision of go local for global and become Atmanirbhar Bharat.
