In a landmark move poised to enhance India’s artillery capabilities, the Ministry of Defence inked a substantial contract on 26th March 2025 for the production of indigenous heavy-duty artillery guns. This contract, valued at approximately Rs 6,900 crore, entails the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 327 high-mobility 6×6 gun-towing vehicles. The agreement was formalised with private sector giants Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, marking a pivotal moment in India’s defence manufacturing scene.
A Leap Towards Self-Reliance in Defence
The ATAGS, a 155mm/52-calibre artillery system, has been meticulously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). With a formidable strike range of up to 45 kilometres, depending on the ammunition used, these guns are set to revolutionise the operational readiness of the Indian Army’s artillery regiments. This development aligns seamlessly with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscoring the nation’s commitment to bolstering indigenous defence production.
Strategic Allocation and Indigenous Content
In terms of production distribution, Bharat Forge is slated to manufacture 60% of the ATAGS, having emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) in the procurement process, while Tata Advanced Systems will produce the remaining 40%. Notably, over 65% of the components for these artillery systems are sourced domestically. This includes critical subsystems such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism. Such a high degree of indigenous content not only reduces reliance on foreign suppliers but also stimulates the domestic defence industry.
Enhancing Operational Capabilities
The ATAGS are renowned for their exceptional accuracy, consistency, mobility, reliability, and automation. One of the standout features is the ‘all-electric drive technology’, which ensures longer maintenance-free operations. These guns can fire five-round bursts, surpassing the three-round bursts capability of many contemporary foreign artillery systems. Such attributes are expected to significantly bolster the Army’s firepower, enabling precise and long-range strikes, particularly along the borders with China and Pakistan.
Rigorous Trials and Proven Performance
The journey of ATAGS from conception to induction has been marked by rigorous testing and validation. Development commenced in 2013, followed by a series of comprehensive field trials. Notably, in 2021-22, the ATAGS successfully completed winter trials in the high-altitude terrains of Sikkim and subsequent summer user-firing tests at the Pokhran field firing ranges. These trials have validated the system’s performance across diverse and challenging environments, ensuring its readiness for deployment in varied operational scenarios.
Broader Implications for Defence Procurement
With the signing of this contract, the total value of capital procurement contracts inked by the Ministry of Defence in the ongoing fiscal year has reached ₹1.4 lakh crore. This substantial investment underscores the government’s commitment to modernising the armed forces and enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. The ATAGS deal, in particular, represents a significant milestone in the modernisation of the Army’s artillery regiments, reflecting a strategic shift towards self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
Contextualising Within the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan
The induction of ATAGS is a critical component of the Indian Army’s Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, which aims to standardise and modernise artillery systems. This plan envisions the acquisition of approximately 3,000 to 3,600 155mm guns of all types to equip around 180 artillery regiments. The emphasis on indigenous systems like ATAGS aligns with the broader objective of reducing dependence on foreign artillery systems and fostering self-sufficiency in defence production.
The signing of the Rs 6,900 crore contract for the production of ATAGS and associated vehicles marks a watershed moment in India’s defence procurement history. It not only enhances the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities but also signifies a robust step towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. As these advanced systems are inducted, they are poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s borders and asserting India’s position as a formidable force in the global defence arena.
