KNDS France announces signing an agreement with Indian company SMPP Ammunition regarding creation of joint production in India of the newest European 155mm Katana guided active-reactive shells.
However, what immediately comes to mind is that just recently the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) approved a possible sale to India of a batch of 155mm M982A1 Excalibur guided active-reactive shells.
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In addition, India already has such M982A1 Excaliburs in its arsenal. One can try to assume that the Indians are planning to transition to a European analogue in the future, but while production is deployed and necessary quantities begin to be manufactured, India will use M982A1 Excalibur.
Regarding the European Katana shells themselves, they were first demonstrated only in 2018. Currently, their development appears to be at the final stage, and market entry was planned for 2026.
Although it should be noted that the first successful test firings of Katana took place back in 2021. But still, the first Indian-made Katanas are hardly to be expected before 2027.
When fired from a gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, Katana is capable of hitting targets at a range of over 45 km, although 60 km was initially claimed. For guidance, Katana uses GNSS and an inertial system, which together should improve the shells capabilities in conditions of active electronic warfare systems.
In addition, it can be equipped with a semi-active laser seeker, thanks to which it can hit even moving targets. Accuracy is declared at about 10 meters, although with a semi-active laser seeker it will probably be significantly more accurate. The total weight of the shell is 45.6 kg, and the weight of explosive substance is equivalent to 6 kg of TNT.
For comparison, the American M982A1 Excalibur when fired from a gun with a barrel length of 52 calibers, is capable of hitting targets at a distance of 50 km. For guidance, a combination of GPS and inertial system is used. Accuracy is declared at about 4 meters. The total weight of the shell is 48 kg, and the weight of explosive substance is 5.4 kg.
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