Together with Munitions India Limited, IIT Madras is developing the first 155 mm Smart Ammunition in India. The goal of this partnership is to improve artillery shell accuracy and lethality at the time of terminal impact. The munitions can be launched from 39- and 45-calibre 155 mm guns. Achieving a Circular Error Probability (CEP) of 10 meters is the ultimate objective, against 500 meters CEP achieved by conventional ammunitions. This entails housing cutting-edge technologies such as miniature electronics and sensors with guidance, navigation, and control systems. The 155 mm Smart Ammunition shells will also utilize NavICsatellite guidance to increase accuracy. In order to meet different tactical needs, the 155 mm Smart Ammunition is made to work with current artillery guns and has sophisticated characteristics including fin stabilization, canard control, and a three-mode fuse operation.[7] A minimum range of 8 km and a maximum range of 38 km are anticipated. In addition, this Smart shell has three different explosion modes: delayed, height of burst, and point detonation.[8][9]
The UAE purchased 40,000 and 50,000 155 mm artillery ammunition in 2017 and 2019, respectively. In 2017 and 2019, the order was valued at approximately $40 million and $46 million, respectively. The known buyers of 155 mm shells have been the United Arab Emirates and Armenia. Unidentified European nation—likely PolandorSlovenia—just bought the artillery munitions, as per reports in February 2024.[10][11]
Videos from Ukraine have recently surfaced, showing the artillery ammunition manufactured in India being used by Ukrainian forcesinRusso-Ukrainian War. Social media posts in both Russian and Ukrainian languages reported what seemed to be Indian 155mm artillery shells likely falling into Ukraine. It was rumored that the weaponry consisted of MIL-produced HE ERFB BT shells.[10][12]
MIL and its partner, Nadrah Company, inked a $225 million deal at World Defense Show 2024 to provide artillery ammunition to Saudi Arabia.[13]
As of March 2024, Munitions India has export orders worth ₹6,000 crore, to be supplied till 2026-27. The leading customers are UAE, Vietnam and one undisclosed country from Europe.[14]