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Rebirth of BHIM self- propelled howitzer

praveen007

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Rebirth of BHIM self-propelled howitzer | idrw.org
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Bhim+Tracked+SPH.jpg

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DRDO is all set to dust off and review BHIM self-propelled howitzer Project once again. After 11 years been in storage, due to ban imposed on Denel company which was accused of paying bribes and it’s SPH was dropped from consideration. DRDO had successfully had integrated 155-mm / L52 howitzer T6 turret, developed by Denel of South Africa with Indian made Arjun tank chassis . After corruption controversy which came to lime light in 2005, DRDO again send Request for proposal (RFP) in 2007 .but only Samsung Techwin responded to the proposal with their K-9 gun.
Project was left with single vendor proposal, hence another RPF was re-issued after considerable break to make sure that RPF attracts more proposal and it has been rumoured that SWS Bofors, Nextel, Samsung Techwin along with Soltham have responded to RPF issued by DRDO for the replacement gun, and DRDO after going through their proposal and technical evaluation is been done and will be integrating one of their gun with Arjun MBT chassis soon.
In 1999-2000 Indian army had conducted successful trails of the gun with Arjun chassis and Denel also had successfully demonstrated their own T-72 based howitzer in India for Indian army. Indian army had requirement of 400 mounted 155-mm / L52 howitzer, out of which 200 could be based on Arjun chassis and another 200 to be mounted on modified TATRA trucks.
Decision on selection of the gun will take place this year.

Cancellation of the project had effected Production
and procurement of materials for Arjun MBT, since Indian army had only placed orders for 128 tanks at that time and 200 orders for BHIM could have lead to continues production run at Avadi .
This currently has been halted since CVRDE
almost completed 128 tanks ordered by Indian Army. Indian army did placed further orders of 128 Arjun MK-2 variant, but the production will only start after summer user trials are completed by Indian army.
 
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I hear it won't be Bhim, they will make it again with different turret but i think we should get over ourselves and atleast test Bhim with whatever DRDO develops and let the army decide between the two of them or just use the Bhim and forget about this new gun...
 
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yes, thats what i also heard.
But never the less, a indigenous effort worth appriciation.
 
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self propelled howitzer are better in accuracy.though very expensive compare to simple howitzer

indeed this is a great development
 
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Does IA have any self propelled howitzer in their armory.
 
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SOLTAM is also in running ..? Will be very very difficult to beat their offer...
 
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Artillery has become a joke word to me. Indias governments (including BJP) couldnt find the guts to make a simple purchase because they are scared of looking bad to voters. Everyone knows BOFORS has won every contest and is the best option.

Congress cant make the purchase because they will surely be accused of taking a payoff(again).

The BJP will never do it because they demonized congress for dealing with the same company.

The politicians care more about getting re-elected than they do for the basic security needs of the country.

That's the problem.


Solution? Politicians make the budget, the MILITARY decides how to spend it, not politicians and bureaucrats.
 
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