In eastern Ladakh for about 17 months, the army is engaged in increasing its strength on the border, especially in the mountainous areas, amid the tussle with China. The deployment of the Lightweight M777 Howitzer Gun (Cannon) (M777) procured from the US has further increased the firepower of the army. The deal to get 145 such guns has been done with America. It has three regiments. A total of seven regiments of M777 are to be formed. This gun can easily destroy the target up to 30 km. Also, being light in weight, it can be easily carried from one place to another in a short time. It can also be deployed anywhere through a Chinook helicopter taken from America.
Lt Gen T K Chawla, DG of Army Artillery, said that we need more such guns, which can move easily in any area. In hilly areas, it is very difficult to carry the gun. Along with this modern M777 gun, the second light gun MM 105 cannon has been deployed in eastern Ladakh, which, despite being old, are still very reliable and effective in these mountainous areas. Lt Gen Chawla said that K-9 Vraj cannon has also been deployed in Eastern Ladakh. This will greatly increase the firepower. Now the army can easily penetrate the target from 18 to 52 km.
The DG of Artillery also said that the way the border roads are being built in the forward area, we will be able to deploy our weapons at more locations. It is the effort of the army that through these cannons. It will be able to further strengthen its strategic position on the LAC. Also, it will be able to give a befitting reply to any action of the enemy
