Chennai: IIT Madras has announced a major step forward in defence technology with the successful development of ramjet-assisted artillery shells that can dramatically extend the range of existing gun systems – without reducing lethality.
The breakthrough centres on integrating a compact ramjet engine into a standard 155 mm shell in place of a conventional base-bleed unit. Once fired, the shell’s ramjet activates after gun-barrel exit, providing sustained propulsion and allowing the round to travel significantly farther while maintaining combat effectiveness.
Crucially, the design allows the Indian Army to enhance firepower without acquiring new artillery gun systems or investing in expensive missile platforms.
Extensive trials across multiple artillery systems have demonstrated notable gains in range. With the ramjet shell, the ATAGS platform witnessed its reach increase from around 40 kilometres to nearly 70 kilometres. The K9 Vajra system recorded a boost from approximately 36 kilometres to nearly 62 kilometres. Meanwhile, the Dhanush artillery system saw its effective coverage rise from about 30 kilometres to close to 55 kilometres.
The project, launched in 2020, is led by Prof P. A. Ramakrishna and supported by Lt Gen P R Shankar (retd), Prof H. S. N. Murthy, Prof G. Rajesh, Prof M. Ramakrishna, Prof Murugaiyan, Lt Gen Hari Mohan Iyer (retd), Prof Lazar C and Dr Yogesh Kumar Velari. Developed in partnership with the Indian Army, the effort has undergone gun-firing and field evaluations at Deolali and Pokhran, validating clean launch, stable aerodynamics, and reliable ignition.
In a post on X, the Chennai-based institution said: “The achievement reflects the momentum of Atmanirbhar Bharat and shows how incremental innovation on existing assets can deliver cost-efficient, survivable, and future-ready capabilities for contemporary battlefields.”
