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:-
(i) Manufacturing of two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 and two prototypes of upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Howitzer Gun.
(ii) 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:-
(iii) Two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre guns by December 2012.
(iv) 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.
