India’s artillery modernization efforts are facing significant challenges, particularly surrounding the Dhanush howitzer and the Sharang artillery systems. The Dhanush is embroiled in a scandal involving counterfeit components supplied by a private firm, leading to a Central Bureau of Investigation probe that questions the integrity of the production process at the Gun Carriage Factory. Meanwhile, the upgraded Sharang systems are criticized for substandard enhancements, as highlighted in a recent Comptroller and Auditor General report, raising concerns about the broader effectiveness of India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem. These incidents underscore the urgent need for reforms in procurement and quality control to ensure operational readiness and bolster India’s ambitions as a net arms exporter in a competitive global market.