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Sarath 105mm SPG

In recent times there has been a large production of 105mm projects. Most of them intended for rapidly deploying forces. The vast majority of those projects are wheeled. In fact, only one is tracked. This project is of Indian origin, Ordnance Factory Board designed for the mountain troops of that country. This is a step towards indigenization of Self Propelled Guns required for Artillery and also for Mechanized Infantry. It would enhance the capabilities of Mechanized Infantry for anti-tank role, and to destroy enemy fortifications.

It uses a derivative of the BMP-2 chassis, manufactured under license in India. The Ordnance Factory Medak (OFM), owned by the Indian government, has manufactured the Kurgan Machine Construction Plant BMP-2 infantry combat vehicle, identical to the BMP-2, under licence from the Russian Federation under the local name of the Sarath. Originally sourced from the Soviet Union, an upgraded BMP went into indigenous production by setting up manufacturing facilities for BMP 2 series of ICV at Medak in Telangana with Russian collaboration. It is now produced with almost indigenously sourced material. It has been rechristened “Sarath” to give it an indigenous name. Over more than four decades the employment of Mechanised Infantry, equipped with BMP 2 has evolved due to its being a very versatile weapons platform. It’s light weight makes it suitable for high-speed manoeuvres, quick deployment through air transportation and its ability to float through rivers and canal networks. While the Army is in possession of Sarath ICV, which is a BMP-II vehicle, the OFM has come up with other variants.

The Sarath chassis weighs 16 tons and has been modified to accept the Indian-manufactured 105 mm Field Gun, the Indian version of the famous English Light Gun in the 37-caliber version.The gun crew is protected with elimnation of separate FAT for weapon and ammunition. The original capabilities of the 105mm ordnance of LSF with the BMP mobile hull are retained. The gun fires ammunition of the separate loading type, similar to that used in the 105 mm Light Guna, to a maximum range of 17,200 m. That gives it a range of about 19 km. Along with the ammunition typical of an artillery piece - high-explosive projectiles - it also fires HESH and HEAT. An autoloader along with Fire control system can also be provided to achieve Multiple Rounds Simultaneous Impact.

The turret is designed for Level III protection [protection of crew against 12.7mm weapon], and can accomodate 42 rounds of ammunition, although it can be increased to 92. The original sights of the 105mm LFG can be used for laying the gun, and GPS is provided. TALIN 500 Inertial Navigation System can also be installed to navigate in regions where GPS is unavailable due to terrain masking or enemy jamming. An "A" frames is provided at the front to lock the barrel during mobility.

It was first displayed in February 2010 during DEFEXPO-2010 in New Delhi and was planned to replace the FV433 Abbot SPG in the Indian army. It is believed that this system remained at the prototype stage.