In a major technological breakthrough for India’s defence capabilities, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have developed and successfully tested ramjet-assisted 155 mm artillery shells that can extend the effective range of conventional gun systems by up to nearly 50 % without compromising lethality.
What Is Ramjet-Assisted Artillery Technology
Traditional artillery shells rely on the initial muzzle velocity imparted by the gun barrel. Once fired, they follow a ballistic trajectory with no additional propulsion.
The ramjet-assisted shell developed by IIT Madras changes this paradigm by integrating a compact ramjet engine into the artillery projectile, replacing the conventional base-bleed unit. A ramjet engine uses the high speed of the projectile to compress incoming air, mix it with fuel, and generate thrust without moving parts such as turbines, enabling sustained propulsion after the shell exits the gun barrel. This additional thrust significantly increases range while maintaining destructive effectiveness on impact.
Collaborative Development and Trials
The project was initiated in 2020 in collaboration with the Indian Army and has progressed through multiple development and testing phases. Early validation involved trials with a 76 mm gun at IIT Madras. These confirmed the feasibility of the ramjet concept.
Scaled trials on 155 mm artillery guns, the standard calibre for modern field artillery, followed. Field trials were conducted in September 2025 at the School of Artillery, Deolali, and later in December 2025 at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. These tests demonstrated clean gun exit, stable mid-course flight, and reliable ramjet ignition, validating both the internal and external ballistics of the system. Ongoing refinements are now focused on finalising the design for induction.
Impact on Artillery Range
The ramjet-assisted artillery shells can boost the range of existing systems without requiring new guns or expensive missiles. Range improvements demonstrated in trials include:
- ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System): Increase from ~40 km to ~70 km
- K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzer: Increase from ~36 km to ~62 km
- Dhanush artillery gun: Increase from ~30 km to ~55 km
These figures are based on successful tests and indicate the potential operational effect of the technology.
Why This Breakthrough Matters
1. Tactical Flexibility
Artillery units gain the ability to engage targets at much greater distances without requiring launcher changes. This increases battlefield reach and gives commanders greater options for deep-strike missions.
2. Cost and Equipment Efficiency
Ramjet-assisted shells offer a cost-effective upgrade for existing guns, avoiding the need for new platforms or expensive missile systems.
3. Operational Impact
Extended range allows artillery units to operate further from counter-battery fire and potential threats, enhancing crew survivability and overall mission effectiveness.
4. Indigenous Capability
The innovation strengthens India’s self-reliance in defence technology. It demonstrates how academic research, when aligned with operational needs, can directly contribute to national security.
Future Prospects and Expansion
The lead researchers at IIT Madras, guided by Prof. P. A. Ramakrishna and supported by a team including ex-Indian Army officers and aerospace specialists, have suggested potential future applications of ramjet propulsion beyond artillery. For example, adapting the technology for rockets could further enhance range and performance in other artillery and missile systems.
Closing Thoughts
The development of ramjet-assisted artillery shells represents a major leap in battlefield firepower for the Indian Army. By increasing the effective range of conventional artillery systems without compromising lethality, this technology provides enhanced tactical reach, affordability, and operational flexibility; all while leveraging existing gun platforms.
As trials continue and final induction preparations proceed, India could become one of the first nations to field ramjet-assisted artillery ammunition, reshaping how artillery is used in modern warfare.