The Field Gun Factory, a manufacturer of defence equipment in Kanpur, has produced Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM) gun barrels indigenously for the first time. The Indian Navy has now inducted these barrels, marking a shift from previous reliance on imported systems or those manufactured under license by BHEL Haridwar in collaboration with Italian defence company OTO Melara.
The development, which took three years and involved a team of 12 Indian engineers, is expected to reduce costs and eliminate dependence on foreign suppliers. Two barrels have already been delivered to the Indian Navy, and all current and future warships are planned to be equipped with the Kanpur-made versions.
The SRGM is a medium-calibre naval gun system capable of firing 76 mm shells at a rate of 120 rounds per minute. It can engage targets up to 15 km away, including fast-moving aircraft and missiles.
A previous Ministry of Defence contract with BHEL Haridwar for 16 upgraded SRGM systems is part of the broader effort to increase the domestic production of key naval components.
The Field Gun Factory, located in Kanpur, is engaged in the manufacture of artillery and defence equipment for the Indian Armed Forces.
