the Indian Army is poised to become the first military force in the world to operationally deploy ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery shells, marking a major technological breakthrough that could reshape long-range artillery warfare.
The cutting-edge shells developed in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras and sanctioned by the Army Technology Board (ATB) incorporate ramjet propulsion, a system that allows rounds to sustain thrust after firing by using atmospheric air mixed with onboard fuel. This enables the shells to travel significantly farther than conventional artillery ammunition, offering a 30–50 % increase in range while maintaining battlefield effectiveness.
Unlike traditional rounds that depend solely on the initial gunpowder discharge and ballistic trajectory, ramjet-assisted shells ignite once the projectile reaches supersonic speeds (around Mach 2) from the gun muzzle. At that point, the ramjet’s air intake compresses oncoming air, mixes it with fuel, and sustains propulsion, dramatically extending its operational reach.
Trials of the ramjet-powered artillery shells have already taken place at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, with results showing promising performance in range and stability. Once fully refined, the technology is expected to be compatible with existing 155 mm artillery guns, including systems such as the M777 ultra-light howitzer, allowing rapid integration without the need for new platforms.
This world-record achievement underscores India’s Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) ambitions in defence technology and significantly enhances the Indian Army’s firepower, enabling longer-reach strikes and greater battlefield flexibility. The extended range could allow artillery units to engage targets deep behind enemy lines, a potential game-changer in future conflict scenarios.
