India: Bofors Co shows interest in indigenous 'Dhanush'

Kanpur: Swedish AB Bofors Co which had supplied 155 mm Howitzer tanks in the year 1986 in the country now takes a decision to import Indian made Dhanush cannons from Kanpur-based fieldgun factory. The mechanism of this improved version of the cannon has drawn attention of the famous Sweden's company.

Senior general manager Anil Gupta of the factory said that the samples of the indigenously developed cannon with breach mechanism are ready. After thorough inspection,  the order will be taken up. 

Informing of the first consignment of the two cannons would reach the army via the gun carriage factory, Jabalpur. Prior to this as many as six samples were given which were approved by the Directorate General  Quality Assurance.

The army has demanded supply of the 114 cannons while it requires a total of 300 cannons. This tank is also in the range of  155 mm. It is far better (25%) in accuracy and consistency. Korean K-9 and French Nexter tanks are in direct competition with the 'Dhanush'. With the price tag of 15 crore this tank stands comparatively better.  

Fieldgun factory as of now works as the pproduction agency but after the month of August this year there is good chance of making carriage through scrape moulding as is done in Icchhapur & Jabalpur.