Artillery Deficit Challenges Indian Army Strategic Readiness Amid Multi-Front Security Concerns

The Indian Army is 44 regiments short of its 270-regiment goal. Explore how this artillery deficit impacts India's multi-front defense strategy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 9:29 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Diplomat

The Growing Artillery Gap in Modern Conflict

Despite the rising prominence of cyber warfare and drone technology, conventional artillery remains the primary "killer" on the modern battlefield. Recent global conflicts have underscored that long-range, high-volume fire is still the decisive factor in holding or seizing territory. For the Indian Army, this reality has exposed a concerning gap in its inventory. While the force currently operates 226 field artillery regiments, defense planners acknowledge that this falls short of the numbers required to sustain a multi-front engagement. The planned increase to 270 regiments is part of a broader attempt to modernize the force, but procurement delays and the decommissioning of older systems continue to pressure existing stocks.

Strategic Restructuring and Multi-Front Preparedness

India's security challenges are increasingly defined by the need to prepare for simultaneous tensions with both China and Pakistan. Historically, the army’s restructuring has been Pakistan-centric, focusing on cross-border surgical strikes and swift mobilization. However, the prolonged standoff on the northern borders has forced a pivot toward high-altitude defense. This shift requires specialized artillery that can be easily transported to mountainous terrain and operate effectively at extreme elevations. The current deficit complicates this transition, as the army must balance the replacement of legacy systems, such as the Bofors guns, with the induction of indigenous and new-age long-range platforms.

Advancements in Weapon Locating Technology

While gun numbers are under scrutiny, India has made strides in defensive artillery technology. The indigenous Swati Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) has become a critical component of the army's counter-battery capabilities. By tracking incoming enemy shells and precisely locating their point of origin, the Swati system allows Indian units to return fire with high accuracy. This technology is vital for protecting frontline troops and neutralizing enemy batteries before they can inflict significant damage. However, defense commentators note that superior radar technology is only effective if backed by a sufficient number of active gun regiments capable of delivering the necessary counter-fire.