The Indian Army aims to finalize the procurement contract for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) platforms by March 2025. The announcement was made on Monday (January 13) by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi during a press conference held ahead of Army Day, observed annually on January 15. The ATAGS, a 155mm/52 calibre howitzer, has been developed indigenously at an estimated cost of Rs 8,000 crore ($924.36 million).
“If all goes as planned, we aim to sign the ATAGS contract before the end of this financial year for 307 guns worth Rs 8,000 cr,” General Dwivedi stated.
ATAGS Development and Procurement Details
The ATAGS has been developed indigenously by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is a 155mm/52-calibre howitzer designed to meet the Indian Army’s artillery modernization requirements. It represents a significant milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, aligning with the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production under the ‘Aatmanirbharta’ initiative.
DRDO is developing the ATAGS in collaboration with Bharat Forge and the TATA Group. Following the opening of bids in October, Bharat Forge emerged as the lowest bidder. According to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), 60% of the contract is likely to go to Bharat Forge, while the remaining 40% may be awarded to the TATA Group subject to the latter agreeing to match the price quoted by Bharat Forge.
ATAGS is a state-of-the-art 155mm/52-calibre howitzer developed by the DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and the TATA Group. It offers a firing range of 35 to 45 kilometres, with a record range of 47 km achieved during trials in 2017. Designed for diverse terrains, including high-altitude and desert conditions, the system features advanced automation for faster deployment, enhanced accuracy, and reduced crew workload. Its modular design and six-round magazine further enhance its operational efficiency.
With a high degree of indigenous content, the ATAGS aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. It plays a key role in the Army’s artillery modernization and has export potential, as seen with its 2022 contract with Armenia. As one of the most advanced howitzers globally, the ATAGS showcases India’s growing defence capabilities.
Focus on Indigenous Artillery Systems
General Dwivedi also highlighted the Army’s ongoing efforts to modernize its artillery systems, emphasizing indigenous platforms like the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system. Extended-range ammunition for the Pinaka is under development, with the potential to replace the need for other long-range systems.
“If the extended-range ammunition meets our requirements, we may not need other long-range systems, and we could concentrate on the Pinaka system,” General Dwivedi explained.
The Pinaka system currently has a range of up to 75 km, with plans to extend its capability to 120 km and beyond. In November, the DRDO successfully conducted flight tests of the guided Pinaka system as part of Provisional Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) validation.
Expansion of K9 Vajra Fleet
In addition to the ATAGS and Pinaka systems, the Indian Army is also expanding its fleet of 155mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns. The MoD extended an earlier contract for 100 guns and signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract in December 2024 for an additional 100 units. These systems, manufactured under license from South Korea’s Hanwha Defense by Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), have been deployed in various terrains, including high-altitude regions.
Future Artillery Plans
The Army’s current inventory includes four regiments of the Pinaka system, with six more on order. It also operates five Grad and three Smerch rocket regiments of Russian origin, with ranges of 38 km and 90 km, respectively. Enhancements to the Pinaka’s range could position it as a central component of the Army’s long-range rocket artillery capabilities.
The focus on indigenous systems aligns with India’s broader objectives of achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The finalization of the ATAGS contract and advancements in the Pinaka system represent key steps in this direction.
