Army deploys medium, long-range weapons across northern border
#GS-03 Science and Technology
For Prelims
About K9 Vajra Tank:
- The K9 Vajra is a South Korean 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed and developed by the Agency for Defense Development and civil contractors including Dongmyeong Heavy Industries, Kia Heavy Industry, Poongsan Corporation, and Samsung Aerospace Industries.
- The vehicle will be manufactured under license in India using 50 per cent of the domestic content such as FCS and communication system.
About Dhanush:
- The Dhanush is a 155 mm towed howitzer manufactured by Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited previously a part of Ordnance Factory Board.
- The Dhanush project was started to replace the older 105 mm Indian Field Gun, 105 mm Light Field Gun and the Russian 122 mm guns with a modern 155 mm artillery gun.
About M777 Ultra Light Howitzers (ULH):
- The M777 howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece in the howitzer class manufactured by BAE Systems’ Global Combat Systems division.
- BAE Systems supplied 25 ready-built howitzers, while 120 guns were manufactured in India by Mahindra Defence Systems Limited.
About Pinaka Multi-Rocket Launch System (MRLS)
- Pinaka is a multiple rocket launcher produced in India and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for the Indian Army.
- The system is mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility and can fire a salvo of 12 HE rockets in 44 seconds.