In a groundbreaking achievement, the Indian Army is set to become the first military force in the world to deploy ramjet-powered artillery shells for its 155mm guns. This marks a significant leap in India's self-reliance in defense technology, with the innovation expected to boost the range of existing artillery ammunition by 30% to 50% without sacrificing effectiveness.
The advanced technology has been developed through a collaborative effort with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, with support from the Army Technology Board (ATB). This initiative aligns with the Indian Army's focus on enhancing the range, precision, and lethality of its artillery.
Professor P.A. Ramakrishna from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras explained the core principle behind the ramjet technology. Unlike conventional engines, a ramjet operates as an air-breathing engine, eliminating the need for turbines or compressors. The shell is initially launched using an artillery gun to achieve speeds of approximately Mach 2. At this velocity, air entering the engine is naturally compressed, fuel is ignited, and thrust is generated, allowing the shell to sustain propulsion and significantly extend its range. The IIT-M research paper highlights the ramjet's higher specific impulse (ISP) compared to solid rockets, providing a greater overall impulse to the shell for the same propellant mass.
A key advantage of this technology is its compatibility with existing 155mm shells. The ramjet component can be retrofitted onto standard shells, enabling rapid deployment without requiring new artillery systems. This versatility allows the Indian Army to integrate the technology with its existing arsenal, including systems like the M777 howitzer, enhancing long-range strike capabilities across diverse terrains.
The ramjet-assisted artillery shell has undergone successful developmental tests at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, with ongoing refinements through advanced testing. To maintain accuracy at extended ranges, the shells incorporate a Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) that utilizes India's indigenous NavIC satellite system. Munitions India Limited (MIL) is designated to handle large-scale production once final validation is complete.
The Indian Army 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 introduction of the ramjet-powered shell is expected to provide a strategic advantage to these guns, potentially redefining global artillery strategies and positioning India as a leader in next-generation gun-launched munitions. Initial squadrons are projected to begin entering service by late 2026 or 2027, aligning with the broader induction of ATAGS units into the Army.
Defense experts note that while ramjet propulsion is already utilized in advanced missiles, its application in artillery ammunition on this scale is unprecedented. The success of this project underscores India's "Atmanirbharta" (self-reliance) initiative and its commitment to developing indigenous defense technologies. Once fully operational, the ramjet-powered 155 mm shell will represent a significant achievement, merging indigenous innovation, academic collaboration, and battlefield utility to enhance India's military capabilities.
