Indian Army (Representative Image)Photo : ANINew Delhi: The Indian Army acquired the Bofors 155mm howitzer in the 1980s. A scandal followed, but the weapon showed its worth in the Kargil war of 1999.Now, decades later, and after considerable delays, the Indian Army is getting the Son of Bofors: the Dhanush. The Army has cleared the Dhanush after a successful firing demonstration on March 8. The first 12 guns, manufactured indigenously by AWE is likely to arrive in May or June and another 6-8 shortly after (probably in July) to ensure the first Dhanush regiment is in place. The transfer of technology from Bofors allowed the manufacture of 414 howitzers, but after considerable delays, an order of 114 came through. The technology remains the same except that the barrel will not be 39 calibre, but 45 calibre, which is a little longer. The 114 howitzers will provide five regiments of much-needed artillery to the Army. It is indigenously produced and is, therefore, in line with the current atmanirbharta or self-reliance policy of the government.The second part of the Dhanush programme will begin after the 114 guns are delivered. The guns manufactured after that will be 52 calibre, increasing range. The arrival of the guns is particularly relevant as the 410 Bofors howitzers are now 35 years old and while the Army has got M777 ultra-light American weapons and the K9 Vajra is being readied, there is still a shortage.