Staff Correspondent
After receiving bulk production clearance on February 18, 2019 for manufacturing 114 guns, the Gun Carriage Factory (GCF) readied 6 Dhanush guns for issuance to the Indian Army. A formal function was organised in GCF on April 8, Monday, where Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production) was the chief guest of the function. Lt Gen PK Shrivastava (DG Artillery); Lt Gen RS Salaria (Commandant SOA); Major General Manmeet Singh (HQ western command); Brig Ravi Bhardwaj (Controller CQA[W], Brig S. Bhargava (WDET Programme Coordinator) attended the ceremony. From the OFB, Saurabh Kumar (Chairman OFB), Hari Mohan (Member OFB and DDG/W), were present.
The 155mm x 45 Cal FH Gun ‘Dhanush’ is a new generation towed artillery gun with major upgraded features over the existing 155/39 caliber, FH 77 B02 gun. Indigenization to the extent of approx 81%, has already been achieved. By end of 2019, the indigenization level will go upto 91%. The Dhanush gun has undoubtedly emerged as a reliable and robust gun system at par with the latest in the world and will increase the Fire Power of the Indian Artillery manifold.
Chief Guest Dr Ajay Kumar said that it is a glorious moment for GCF and OFB. “Now the whole world knows that India can manufacture artillery guns and he is proud to be associated with this national project,” he said.