Pokhran: Bharat Forge subsidiary Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) has successfully completed desert trials of its indigenous Mounted Gun System (MGS) at the Pokhran firing ranges in Rajasthan, marking an important step in the Indian Army’s efforts to strengthen its mobile artillery capabilities.
The trials, conducted in coordination with the Indian Army, assessed the weapon system’s performance under extreme heat and dusty desert conditions. The successful completion of this phase will be followed by winter evaluations in Sikkim, where the platform will face the challenges of high altitude, sub-zero temperatures and reduced oxygen levels.
The upcoming tests will examine its mechanical reliability, operational endurance and firing accuracy in demanding Himalayan terrain. These assessments are important for determining the system’s suitability for deployment across India’s diverse border regions.
Designed for Mobility and Rapid Deployment
The KSSL-developed Mounted Gun System is designed to combine heavy artillery firepower with the mobility of a vehicle-mounted platform. Its configuration allows military units to deploy the gun quickly, fire and relocate without remaining exposed at one position for an extended period.
This operational approach, commonly known as the ‘shoot and scoot’ capability, helps reduce the risk of enemy counter-battery attacks while providing artillery support over long distances.
KSSL’s artillery platforms are designed for rapid deployment, with coming-into-action times of less than two minutes. This allows forces to respond quickly to changing battlefield requirements, particularly in areas where conventional artillery deployment can be difficult.
Sikkim Trials to Test Himalayan Readiness
The forthcoming winter trials in Sikkim will provide a more demanding assessment of the system’s performance. Operating in mountainous regions presents specific challenges, including extreme cold, difficult terrain and reduced atmospheric pressure.
The evaluation will help establish whether the gun can maintain consistent mechanical performance and firing precision under such conditions.
Successful completion of both desert and high-altitude assessments would provide the Indian Army with valuable data for evaluating the system’s operational suitability.
Boost to India’s Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The successful Pokhran trials also reflect the growing role of domestic private-sector manufacturers in India’s defence production ecosystem.
Kalyani Strategic Systems, part of the Bharat Forge group, is developing indigenous defence platforms aimed at meeting the requirements of the armed forces while reducing dependence on imported equipment.
The Mounted Gun System is part of this effort to strengthen India’s domestic artillery manufacturing capabilities.
If the platform meets the Army’s requirements during the upcoming Sikkim evaluations and subsequent procurement processes, it could add significant mobile firepower to India’s artillery inventory.
The next phase of testing will therefore be closely watched as the indigenous system moves towards demonstrating its ability to operate in some of the country’s most challenging military environments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
