Overview: A Game-Changer for Indian Artillery
India stands on the brink of a historic military milestone as researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have developed ramjet-assisted 155mm artillery shells, positioning the Indian Army to become the first in the world to field this advanced technology. This innovation replaces the conventional base-bleed unit in standard 155mm shells with a ramjet propulsion system, potentially extending the range of existing howitzers by up to 50% without compromising lethality or requiring new gun platforms.
Launched in 2020 in collaboration with the Indian Army, the project addresses key challenges like limited combustor space, high-G forces during firing, and propellant development, offering cost-effective modernization under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The breakthrough enhances tactical flexibility, enabling deeper strikes and stronger deterrence on the battlefield, all while maintaining the shell's destructive power . Unlike missiles, these shells leverage existing artillery infrastructure, making them scalable and economical for mass deployment.
Development Journey and Key Challenges
The project kicked off in 2020 with IIT-M's Aerospace Engineering team, led by Prof. P.A. Ramakrishna, partnering directly with the Indian Army . Initial prototypes integrated ramjet engines into standard 155mm shells, overcoming design hurdles such as extreme acceleration (high G-forces) and the need for compact, high-performance propellants.
- Core Innovation: Ramjet provides sustained propulsion post-barrel exit, unlike traditional shells that rely on initial velocity alone.
- Propellant and Design: Custom propellants ensure stable ignition and flight under combat conditions.
- No Lethality Loss: Extended range preserves impact force, critical for frontline operations.
This indigenous effort highlights India's growing self-reliance in defense R&D.
Trial Milestones and Testing Phases
Rigorous testing validated the technology across multiple stages, building confidence for operational deployment.
- Early Validation (2020-2024): Proof-of-concept on a 76mm gun developed by IIT-M confirmed ramjet integration feasibility.
- Scaled Testing: Transition to full 155mm artillery guns, focusing on clean barrel exit and stable trajectory.
- September 2025 Trials: At the School of Artillery, Deolali, shells demonstrated successful ramjet ignition, internal/external ballistics stability.
- December 2025 Field Tests: Pokhran Range trials achieved clean high-zone exits, marking readiness for refinements.
Ongoing tweaks address final challenges, paving the way for production.
Strategic and Tactical Advantages
These shells transform conventional artillery into near-missile equivalents, boosting India's firepower without massive investments. The ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells offer transformative strategic and tactical edges over conventional munitions by blending affordability with missile-like performance. These advantages stem from sustained propulsion that boosts range while preserving core artillery strengths like rapid fire rates and low costs. Below is a detailed breakdown in pointer form, expanding on the table from the blog post.
Range Extension
Achieves 30-50% greater reach (potentially 45-60km or more from standard 30-40km baselines), enabling strikes on distant enemy logistics, command posts, or reserves previously accessible only via pricier missiles.
Allows safer standoff distances for artillery units, reducing exposure to counter-battery fire during high-intensity border conflicts.
Maintained Lethality
Delivers unchanged destructive power and terminal impact velocity, unlike drag-limited shells that lose energy over distance.
Retains fragmentation, blast, or HE effects identical to standard rounds, ensuring equivalent battlefield devastation.
Cost Efficiency
Far cheaper per shot than guided missiles (often 10x less), supporting high-volume barrages without straining defense budgets.
Leverages existing stockpiles and production lines for quick scaling, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat's indigenization goals.
Seamless Deployment
Compatible with current 155mm howitzers (e.g., Dhanush, K9 Vajra, ATAGS, M777), eliminating needs for new guns, training, or logistics overhauls.
Minimal weight increase preserves standard loading and firing rates, maintaining artillery's signature volume-of-fire advantage.
Tactical Flexibility
Enables rapid deep strikes for time-sensitive targets, complementing slower missile systems in dynamic scenarios like Ladakh or LAC operations.
Flatter trajectories from sustained thrust improve accuracy and reduce vulnerability to enemy air defenses.
Strategic Deterrence
Positions India as the global first-mover, creating an asymmetric edge over neighbors by modernizing legacy systems at fraction of rival costs.
Enhances conventional firepower depth, bolstering deterrence without escalating to strategic missiles. And upgrade support to high-intensity conflicts.
Broader Implications and Future Expansions
The success underscores IIT-M's role in mission-driven research, offering a blueprint for upgrading legacy systems. It aligns with India's defense indigenization push, reducing import dependence.
Tank Applications: IIT-M develops ramjet-powered Fin-Stabilized Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (FSAPDS) shells for T-72/T-90 MBTs.
Precision Munitions: 2024 partnership with Munitions India Ltd. for 155mm guided shells (10m CEP accuracy).
Global First: India leads as no other army fields operational ramjet artillery shells.
Production commencement could equip units soon, reshaping regional power dynamics. This positions India at the forefront of artillery evolution in 2026 .
