India's first weapon museum comes up in Odisha

Balasore: With an aim to provide brief knowledge about defence and drag attention towards sacrifices made by Indian soldiers for the country during wars, India's first military weapon museum showcasing varieties of ammunition used in wars was set up at Chandipur here.

The museum was inaugurated by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman S Christopher at Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) complex on DRDO premises on Tuesday.

The museum will remain open for the public every day except the test-firing days. Later, the PXE authorities will decide the days for the visitors.

Total 14 weapons used in Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have been kept in the museum for the visitors.

Among arms and ammunition, Baijayant Tank, takes the centre of attraction at the weapon park. The tank was used in India-Pakistan war held in 1971. The tank, which was made in England, weighs 40,000 kg and has the capacity to reach the target upto 5 km.

The weapon park also features a number of ammunition and rocket launchers including WM-18 (rocket launch), 105 mm Indian field gun, 122 mm grad BM-21 (rocket launch), 57 mm anti tank gun, 40 mm light gun.

These weapons and ammunition were used during several wars in Indian Army and Indian Navy. The weapon park was set up for the purpose of paying respect to jawans and to tell the new generations about our country's defence, said PXE Director R Appavuraj.

Earlier, PXE had proposed the Centre for establishing a weapon park at DRDO campus to allow the students to visit Chandipur and view the weapons used in wars.

Finally, the project came up following approval by Union Defence Ministry.

The weapon museum is expected to turn out to be an attractive venue for the public and students in the country.