The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a landmark defense deal worth Rs 7,000 crore aimed at significantly enhancing the firepower of the Indian Army. This agreement includes the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 327 Gun Towing Vehicles, marking a pivotal step toward strengthening indigenous defense production under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
ATAGS: The Future of Indian Artillery
The ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a state-of-the-art 155mm/52-caliber howitzer capable of striking targets up to 45-48 kilometers away. These guns are set to revolutionize the Indian Army’s artillery regiments with their unmatched precision, stability, and reliability.
Manufacturing and Indigenous Development
The production of ATAGS will be carried out by Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, two of India’s premier defense manufacturers.
- Bharat Forge will manufacture 60% of the guns as it secured the contract by offering the lowest bid (L1 bidder).
- Tata Advanced Systems will produce the remaining 40% of the units.
This decision ensures that the majority of the guns are manufactured domestically, strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense technology.
Indian Army’s Artillery Modernization Plans
The Indian Army plans to induct the ATAGS guns into 15 artillery regiments in the near future. The long-term vision includes the acquisition of 1,580 ATAGS guns, further enhancing India’s long-range strike capabilities. The contract is expected to be signed next week, ensuring timely delivery and deployment.
Cutting-Edge Features of ATAGS
The ATAGS system is superior to many foreign-made artillery guns, offering several key advantages:
- Extended Range: Capable of hitting targets up to 48 km away, surpassing conventional 155mm artillery systems.
- Faster Firepower: Can fire five rounds continuously, whereas most foreign guns are limited to three rounds.
- All-Electric Drive Technology: Reduces maintenance needs and enhances longevity.
- Greater Accuracy & Stability: Ensures high precision even in challenging terrains.
- Highly Mobile: Can be quickly deployed and repositioned as per battlefield requirements.
These features make ATAGS one of the most advanced artillery systems in the world, with a strong potential for export to foreign militaries.
Successful Trials and Deployment Readiness
Since its development in 2013, ATAGS has undergone extensive testing and user trials to ensure battlefield effectiveness:
- Winter Trials (2021-22): Successfully conducted in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim.
- Summer Trials: Successfully completed at Pokhran Field Firing Range.
- User Trials: Cleared multiple rounds of testing, proving operational readiness.
With these trials completed, ATAGS is now set to be deployed at strategic locations across India.
Defense Strategy Amid Global Conflicts
The Russia-Ukraine war has highlighted the critical role of long-range artillery in modern warfare. Recognizing this, India has accelerated its acquisition of howitzer guns, missiles, and rocket systems:
- December 2024: The Ministry of Defense signed an agreement worth Rs 7,629 crore with L&T and South Korea’s Hanwha Defense for 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled gun systems.
- February 2025: Orders placed for high-explosive rockets (45-km range) and area denial munitions (37-km range) for the indigenous Pinaka multi-launch rocket system, in a deal worth Rs 10,147 crore.
These acquisitions are transforming the Indian Army into a technologically advanced force, ready to tackle future conflicts.
India’s Shift from Imported to Indigenous Artillery
India has long faced corruption scandals in the purchase of artillery guns, leading to delays in modernization. Some major cases include:
- 1980s – Bofors Scandal (Sweden): Alleged kickbacks in a deal for 155mm howitzers.
- 2005 – Denel Controversy (South Africa): Blacklisted for irregularities in an anti-material rifle contract.
- 2009 – Singapore Technology Kinetics Scandal: Allegations of bribery in a 155mm artillery deal.
Due to these controversies, India lagged in artillery modernization. However, under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, indigenous defense production has taken priority, ensuring transparency, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced security.
Global Market Potential for ATAGS
India has already received international interest for ATAGS, signaling a strong future for defense exports. With its superior range, accuracy, and reliability, ATAGS is positioned to compete with global artillery systems and establish India as a leading defense exporter.
