ALONG THE LINE OF CONTROL, Aug 27 — Induction of precision guided munitions by the Indian Artillery for use in high-altitude areas, while expected to greatly enhance the capability of the Artillery regiments deployed along the volatile Line of Control, will also bring about a noticeable change in the tactical battlefield scenario.

While Army Headquarters decline to comment on the induction status, sources say that the Russian Krasnopol 155 mm guided artillery projectiles are in the “process of being acquired”. These are equipped with laser-range designators, which are said to be in service with the Russian forces and several other armies.

The Army had recognised the need for guided projectiles some time ago and initial trials are said to have been carried out even before the Kargil conflict last year. Sources say that so far there is no indication that guided munitions have been inducted.

The sources say that Krasnopol ammunition cleared high-altitude trials recently after some initial setbacks. The projectiles reportedly showed good performance during demonstrations in Rajasthan in June last year. However, during trials in high-altitude ranges in the northern sector, the shells were off-target.

These shells had been tested in Russia’s highest ranges at an altitude of 3,000 metres, but Indian conditions required testing at 4,500 metres. The initial inaccuracy during trials in the northern sector were attributed to incorrect firing tables.

During winter trials in the northern sector last year, modified projectiles, with the appropriate firing tables catering to the requisite altitude and environmental conditions, are said to have passed tests successfully. Sources claim that trials carried out in combat realistic conditions resulted in each target being hit with a single projectile.

The necessity of guided artillery projectiles can be gauged from the fact that over 100 unguided projectiles fired at specific targets failed to achieve a single direct hit, with the nearest miss being about 15 metres away.

The high-accuracy guided projectiles have the ability to hit targets which include bunkers, vehicles or terrorist hideouts without the risk of collateral damage.