17 May 2012

India: Production of Howitzers by Ordnance Factory

Bofors FH 77B


As per the Defence Acquisition Council decision of October 2011, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is to manufacture 155mm Howitzers as per the details given below:-




  • Manufacturing of two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 and two prototypes of upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Howitzer Gun. 
  • Also simultaneously carryout electronic and mechanical upgrade (to 45mm calibre) on one 'in service' 155mm/39 calibre gun separately.
  • The time lines for OFB to offer indigenous Howitzers for trials are as follows:-
  • Two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre guns by December 2012.
  • Two prototypes of 155mm/45 calibre guns by June 2013.


The Technology Transfer Agreement with Swedish company allows this provision.

The Government of India had entered into License Agreement with M/s AB Bofors, Sweden for indigenous manufacture of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 Gun and Ammunition alongwith the procurement of 155mm/39 calibre FH77 B02 for the Indian Army.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr MM PallamRajuin a written reply to ShrimatiGunduSudharani in Rajya Sabha today.