How IIT Madras is Boosting Indian Army’s Firepower by 50%

In a revolutionary leap for indigenous defense, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has successfully developed and tested a technology that promises to change the face of artillery warfare. By integrating a compact ramjet engine into standard 155mm artillery shells, researchers have achieved a massive 50% increase in firing range. This breakthrough ensures that existing Indian Army guns can now strike targets at distances previously reserved for expensive missile systems.

The breakthrough comes at a critical time when the Indian Army is looking to modernize its artillery profile. Traditionally, extending the range of a gun meant buying a longer barrel or a more expensive weapon system. However, this IIT-Madras innovation upgrades the ammunition rather than the gun. Consequently, the Army can now hit deeper into enemy territory without spending billions on new platforms.

155mm Ramjet-Assisted Shells

The core of this innovation is the Ramjet-Assisted Artillery Shell. Most standard shells use a “base-bleed” unit to reduce drag and slightly increase range. However, the IIT-Madras team replaced this unit with a miniature ramjet engine. Unlike a rocket, which carries its own oxidizer, a ramjet breathes air from the atmosphere.

As the shell is fired from a 155mm gun, it travels at supersonic speeds (approximately Mach 2). At this velocity, air is forced into the shell’s intake and compressed. This air then mixes with fuel and ignites, creating sustained thrust. Therefore, the shell does not just “fall” toward the target; it continues to power itself through the air.

• Stable Combustion: The engine maintains steady propulsion even under extreme G-forces.
• Active Cooling: The design ensures that the heat from supersonic flight does not melt the internal components.
• Universal Compatibility: These shells can be fired from any 155mm gun, including the Dhanush, K9 Vajra, and the ATAGS.

Range Comparison

The impact of this technology on existing gun systems is profound. Recent field trials at the Pokhran range and the School of Artillery in Deolali have validated these numbers.

As the table shows, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) can now strike targets at a staggering 70km distance. This gives Indian commanders a massive tactical advantage. They can now engage enemy artillery while remaining well outside the reach of the enemy’s counter-battery fire.

Crew Safety and Cost-Effectiveness

Beyond the range, this technology offers two major advantages: Cost and Safety.

1. Crew Survivability: In modern warfare, once a gun fires, enemy radars can trace its location almost instantly. By increasing the range by 50%, Indian crews can fire from much safer distances. Consequently, they have more time to “shoot and scoot” before an enemy retaliates.

2. A Cheap Alternative to Missiles: Engaging a target at 70km usually requires a tactical missile. However, missiles are incredibly expensive and complex to transport. A ramjet-assisted shell is significantly cheaper. It allows the Army to maintain high-volume firepower without draining the national exchequer.

Lab Success vs. Import Bias

Projects like the TAPAS UAV or the Pinaka MBRL often face “moving goalposts” in their requirements. This leads to delays, which are then used as an excuse to sign “emergency” foreign deals. If the MoD does not provide the same financial grit and patience to the IIT-Madras ramjet shell as it does to foreign tenders, this technology risks being relegated to a museum piece. True self-reliance is not just about a successful trial; it is about the “courage to buy Indian” even when a product is still evolving.

Powering the Future of Artillery

The 720-second (12-minute) sustainment of supersonic flight in recent tests is a historic feat. It proves that India is no longer just a buyer of advanced technology. Instead, we are becoming the creators of it. By mastering the ramjet engine for artillery, India has secured a place at the high table of global defense innovation.

However, the job is only half-done. The government must bridge the gap between innovation and procurement. Strategic autonomy is a necessity for a rising power like India. By backing projects like the ramjet shell and the indigenous AMCA engine, India can finally secure its borders without the shadow of foreign interference

About the Author

Harsh Singh

Author

Harsh Singh is a defence correspondent at Beats in Brief, covering India’s military and global security issues. He focuses on defence technology, procurement, and geopolitics, presenting clear and well-explained analysis. His work simplifies complex defence topics into easy-to-understand insights for readers.

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