As per the Defence Acquisition Council decision of October 2011, Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) is to manufacture 155mm Howitzers as per the details given below:-

(i)                 Manufacturing of two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 and two prototypes of upgraded 155mm/45 calibre Howitzer Gun.

(ii)               Also simultaneously carryout electronic and mechanical upgrade (to 45mm calibre) on one 'in service' 155mm/39 calibre gun separately.

The time lines for OFB to offer indigenous Howitzers for trials are as follows:-

(iii)             Two prototypes of 155mm/39 calibre guns by December 2012.

(iv)             Two prototypes of 155mm/45 calibre guns by June 2013.

            The Technology Transfer Agreement with Swedish company allows this provision.

The Government of India had entered into License Agreement with M/s AB Bofors, Sweden for indigenous manufacture of 155mm/39 calibre FH 77 B02 Gun and Ammunition alongwith the procurement of 155mm/39 calibre FH77 B02 for the Indian Army.

This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr MM PallamRajuin a written reply to ShrimatiGunduSudharani in Rajya Sabha today.

PK/NN