From 45km to 80km: How India’s new Ramjet artillery shells will redefine battlefield reach

New Delhi: The Indian Army is positioning itself at the forefront of artillery innovation with two major developments: the impending induction of world-first ramjet-powered 155 mm artillery shells and a ₹292.69 crore contract for advanced rocket launcher systems.

India is poised to become the first nation to deploy ramjet-powered artillery shells, a breakthrough that extends firing ranges by 30 to 50 per cent beyond conventional ammunition. The technology, developed collaboratively by IIT Madras and the Army Technology Board, enables standard 155 mm shells to strike targets at distances approaching 80 kilometres, compared to the 45-kilometre limit of conventional base bleed rounds.

The ramjet system functions as an air-breathing engine, drawing oxygen from the atmosphere to sustain combustion mid-flight after initial gun propulsion. Professor P.A. Ramakrishna of IIT Madras's Aerospace Engineering Department leads the project, which has successfully completed developmental trials at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. According to The Week, the technology can be retrofitted onto existing 155 mm artillery shells and integrated with current gun systems, including the M777 ultra-light howitzer, ATAGS, Dhanush, and K9 Vajra howitzers.

₹293 Crore Rocket Launcher Deal

Separately, Pune-based defence manufacturer NIBE Limited secured a ₹292.69 crore supply contract with the Indian Army, announced to stock exchanges on January 2. The order covers manufacturing and supply of ground equipment, accessories, Enhanced System Projectiles, and ammunition for Universal Rocket Launcher Systems capable of integrating multiple rocket types with strike ranges up to 300 kilometres.

According to industry reports, the contract relates to the Israeli-origin PULS (Precise & Universal Launching System), procured through emergency procurement channels. NIBE entered a technology transfer agreement with Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems in August 2025 to manufacture the PULS system domestically. The current order will be executed within 12 months, with NIBE required to furnish a performance guarantee equal to 10 per cent of the contract value.

Modernization Push

These developments align with broader artillery modernisation efforts following the Army's restructuring initiatives. The artillery arm is transitioning from traditional gun-centric formations to integrated strike units incorporating loitering munitions, swarm drones, and AI-enabled targeting systems.

"From advanced weapon systems to critical infrastructure, NIBE Limited combines precision engineering with cutting-edge technology to support India's defence sector with innovative, reliable solutions," said Ganesh Nibe, managing director of NIBE Limited.

The ramjet shell program and rocket launcher procurement underscore India's Atmanirbhar Bharat self-reliance initiative in defence manufacturing, with indigenous solutions increasingly replacing foreign imports while opening potential export markets.