Fake Chinese Components: CBI Lens On Dhanush Guns Production – India’s Artillery Modernization Under Threat?

Just a few days after Indian Army suspended further induction of Sharang artillery guns, the production of Dhanush guns has comes under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scanner. The agency has launched an investigation into the supply of counterfeit components for the Dhanush howitzer.

The Dhanush howitzer has been touted as the indigenous successor to the Bofors guns of the Kargil War era. Delhi-based Sidh Sales Syndicate allegedly supplied China-imported “Wire Race Roller Bearings” but falsely certified as German-made. These were delivered to the Gun Carriage Factory (GCF), Jabalpur, despite tests pointing to dimensional flaws.

CBI probe on Dhanush guns: Who are the players under scanner?

The CBI has named Sidh Sales Syndicate and is also probing unidentified GCF officials for alleged conspiracy, forgery, and cheating. The counterfeit bearings reportedly originated from Sino United Industries (Luyang) Ltd. in China, while documents were forged in the name of German firm CRB.

Former MoS Defence Subhash Bhamre confirmed that bearings were originally supposed to come from CRB, Germany, as per the purchase order.

How has the Sharang upgrade programme been affected?

The scandal has cast a shadow on the Sharang artillery upgrade project, which aims to convert old 130 mm guns to 155 mm calibre to bridge capability gaps until newer systems like Dhanush and ATAGS are fully deployed. With the credibility of Dhanush shaken, the Sharang programme too faces questions about quality control and oversight.

Worth noting here is that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), in Report No. 6 of 2023, had criticized delays in artillery modernization, warning that they compromise operational preparedness and expose flaws in defence procurement. The CAG’s observations have further highlighted inefficiencies in domestic defence production.

Why is this a setback to self-reliance in defence?

Dhanush was projected as a milestone in India’s push for defence indigenization. The involvement of private firms in component supply was seen as a step towards strengthening the ecosystem. However, the fake parts controversy has dented confidence in the system and may stall momentum towards India’s goal of becoming a net exporter of arms.

With the CBI investigation ongoing and CAG’s warnings amplifying scrutiny, defence analysts argue that the Ministry of Defence will need a thorough clean-up of procurement and quality assurance mechanisms. Without urgent reforms, India’s artillery roadmap risks further derailment at a time when capability gaps remain critical.

What are the features of Dhanush guns?

First ever indigenous 155mm x 45 calibre artillery gun, Dhanush is the first long rang artillery gun to  be produced in India. It is equipped with inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, on-board ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system. The self-propulsion unit allows the gun to negotiate and deploy itself in mountainous terrains with ease.

Dhanush has been mechanically upgraded to fire standard NATO 155 mm ammunition and can accommodate both boll bags and the bi-modular charge system (BMCS) which have resulted in increasing the range.