Indian Army Modernizes Artillery: Successful Firing Trials of Upgraded Light Field Gun Completed at Itarsi

NEW DELHI May 23, 2026 — In a major boost to indigenous defense modernization, the Indian Army’s Surya Command successfully conducted firing trials of the newly upgraded Light Field Gun equipped with advanced Autolaying Technology. The trials took place at the Central Proof Establishment (CPE) in Itarsi, marking a pivotal advancement in the nation’s artillery capabilities.

Originally a legacy weapon system, the artillery piece underwent a comprehensive indigenous upgrade by the 506 Army Base Workshop (506 ABW). By integrating state-of-the-art electronics, the upgrade introduces automated laying systems that significantly enhance firing precision while enabling faster battlefield deployment. Furthermore, the newly incorporated technology dramatically reduces the manual labor required by the gun crew during operations.

According to a statement shared by the Surya Command on X (formerly Twitter)—headlined “Legacy Strength, Future-Ready Precision”—the successful validation of this autolaying system represents a critical step forward in retrofitting older military platforms to meet modern warfare demands. The breakthrough aligns seamlessly with the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, underscoring the Indian Army’s ongoing commitment to defense technology innovation and future-ready operational readiness.