New Delhi: In a major milestone for India’s defence modernization and self-reliance goals, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a long-awaited ₹7,000 crore deal for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). The ultra-modern 155mm/52-calibre guns, developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), are set to significantly bolster the Indian Army’s long-range artillery firepower.
The decision, approved under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, represents the largest-ever indigenous artillery acquisition project and is seen as a landmark under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
ATAGS to Replace Ageing Arsenal
The ATAGS, which boasts a firing range of over 48 km, is intended to gradually replace the Indian Army’s older 105mm field guns and 130mm M-46 artillery. It offers longer range, better accuracy, superior firepower, and a higher rate of fire compared to legacy systems.
Defence officials said that these guns will be deployed along India’s northern and western borders — particularly in the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Pakistan border — providing a critical edge in high-altitude and desert terrains.
Indigenous Manufacturing: Tata, Bharat Forge as Production Partners
The guns will be manufactured by two Indian private sector players — Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Bharat Forge (a part of the Kalyani Group). Each company is expected to produce around 150 guns over a period of 6-7 years. This project marks one of the largest orders given to Indian private defence firms.
Over 70% of the components are indigenous, including the barrel, breech mechanism, recoil systems, and fire control systems — a significant leap forward in India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Army Shifts Future Focus to Towed Gun System (TGS)
While the ATAGS project is now finally moving toward full-scale production, ThePrint reports that the Army is expected to shift its future focus to a lighter, more mobile artillery platform — the Towed Gun System (TGS). TGS is intended to complement ATAGS by offering easier deployment in tough terrains such as high mountains.
The TGS will be a separate procurement, potentially involving both public and private sector players, aimed at meeting mobility requirements in forward locations where heavy guns like ATAGS may face deployment constraints.
The ATAGS underwent extensive validation trials over diverse terrains and weather conditions across India.
The gun is equipped with a sophisticated all-electric drive, a 52-calibre long barrel, advanced sighting and fire-control systems, and a high rate of fire — making it among the most advanced howitzers globally.
Besides significantly enhancing India’s strategic firepower, the deal is also expected to generate over 20 lakh man-days of employment, boost private sector manufacturing, and reduce foreign dependence in critical defence systems.
Experts believe that ATAGS has strong export potential, especially to friendly foreign nations seeking reliable and modern artillery systems. It may also open up opportunities for India’s entry into the global artillery supply chain.
A Decade-Long Development Journey
The ATAGS project was launched in 2013 by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), in collaboration with Tata and Bharat Forge. After nearly a decade of research, development, and trial evaluations, the system is now being inducted into the Army — a moment of pride for India’s indigenous defence research capabilities.
The ₹7,000 crore ATAGS deal stands as a historic step toward strengthening India’s border defence posture, deepening defence industrial capabilities, and supporting the Make in India mission. With CCS clearance secured and contracts expected to be signed soon, India is set to usher in a new era of artillery modernization.
