Improvements and modernisation of the original construction included lengthening the gun barrel from 39 calibres to 45, inertial navigation-based sighting system, auto-laying facility, onboard ballistic computation and an advanced day and night direct firing system.

[11][12] From 6 to 30 June 2014, the gun underwent its final summer trials at Pokhran Field Firing Range.

Dhanush outperformed the Bofors gun by 20 to 25 percent in parameters like range, accuracy, consistency, low and high angle of fire, and shoot-and-scoot ability.

[15] It was reported in July 2017 that the howitzer failed the last phase of testing, due to the shell hitting the muzzle brake.

Further trials were conducted by firing about 5000 shells in the desert regions and icy glaciers of the Himalayas without any incident.

[20] A recent manufacturing disruption occurred due to the untimely procurement of a spare part needed for a sub-assembly.

In FY2023–2024, Advance Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) intends to deliver the Indian Army with 26 brand-new howitzers.

Accidents such as barrel bursts and muzzle brake strikes marred the early years of manufacturing.