Two types of indigenously manufactured Howitzers for the Indian Army will be ready for trials by December this year and by June 2013, Government told the Rajya Sabha today.

In a written reply to the House, the Defence Minister Mr A K Antony said, “As per the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) decision of October 2011, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is to manufacture 155mm Howitzers.”

The OFBs have been asked to manufacture “two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre FH-77-B02 guns” and the “upgraded version of 155 mm/45 calibre Howitzers guns”, he said.

On timelines for trials of these indigenous guns, Mr Antony said that the two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre Howitzers will be ready by December 2012, followed by two samples of the upgraded 155mm/45 calibre guns by June 2013.

On Transfer of Technology (ToT) with the Swedish firm which supplied the 155mm/39 calibre Bofors guns, Mr Antony said, “India had entered into license agreement with A B Bofors, Sweden for indigenous manufacture of 155mm/39 calibre FH-77-B02 guns and its ammunition.”

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