Upgraded Bofors prototype with night-firing sights successfully tested in Jabalpur

The 506 Army Base Workshop and the Gun Carriage Factory in Jabalpur have together built a new prototype of the old Bofors gun. It uses the advanced electronic system of the Dhanush gun, which was built with indigenous technology. The gun has been modernised through this system.

After the upgrade, the Bofors will be able to hit enemy positions accurately even in the dark of night. The prototype with the new technology was tested at the Long Proof Range in Jabalpur, and the test was successful.

Despite the technical changes, the gun's basic firepower has not been altered. It will continue to fire shells up to about 30 km, as before. The change is only in its sighting capability, meaning the aiming arrangement has been improved. The new sighting system will make it possible to aim at targets even in the dark. The successful test is being seen as an important step towards technological change.

The upgrade opens an option for the Indian Army to modernise the Bofors guns it already has. The Army will not have to depend only on buying new guns. It will be able to raise the capability of existing guns by fitting them with modern systems. This will help prepare the old artillery for new technology.

The Indian Army bought Bofors howitzers in the 1980s. They have been an important part of its artillery for about four decades. The guns also played an important role during the Kargil war. A step has now been taken towards modernising them with indigenous technology.

Overhauling of Bofors guns in the country is carried out only at the 506 Army Base Workshop in Jabalpur. The same workshop, together with the Gun Carriage Factory, has built the new prototype. After the successful test, the prospects of equipping existing Bofors guns with modern technology have improved.