Chennai: IIT Madras collaborates with Munitions India Limited to develop India’s first domestically designed 155 Smart Ammunition, aiming to achieve indigenization in defense. The project targets increasing the accuracy of 155 mm shells within a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters, far superior to the current 500 meters. Led by Prof. G. Rajesh and his team from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras, the development is slated to span two years.The initiative, undertaken in partnership with Munitions India Limited under the Ministry of Defence, aims to enhance the lethality and precision of terminal impact points. The project integrates state-of-the-art technology, including miniaturized electronics, sensors, and mechanical structures, alongside roll isolation strategies and canard actuation systems. The ammunition will utilize the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) for guidance, ensuring independence from foreign satellite systems.Characteristics of the 155mm Smart Ammunition include compatibility with 39 and 45 calibre-155 mm Artillery Guns without modifications, a fin-stabilized, canard-controlled design, and a range spanning from 8 km to 38 km. The ammunition also features a versatile 3-mode fuse operation (Point detonation, Height of Burst, Delayed Detonation) and employs NAVIC as the primary guidance system, ensuring complete autonomy from foreign agencies.This collaboration underscores India's strides towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing and leverages the expertise of IIT Madras in cutting-edge technology development. It signifies a significant step forward in modern ammunition manufacturing for Munitions India Limited, aligning with India's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India).