ATAGS: The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) for nearly Rs 7,000 crore. This decision marks a major milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
The path to this achievement was not without challenges. The ATAGS project faced several setbacks, including technical failures and delays, before finally securing approval. This approval not only strengthens India’s defence capabilities but also signals a brighter future for indigenous defence production.
ATAGS
The journey of ATAGS began in 2013 when the DRDO initiated the project to replace older artillery guns in the Indian Army. The goal was to develop a fully indigenous 155 mm artillery gun with advanced features and superior firepower. Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd TASL joined hands with DRDO to bring this vision to life. The gun was first showcased to the public during the Republic Day parade in 2017, generating excitement about its potential.
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the project hit a major roadblock in September 2020 during final trials in Pokhran. A barrel burst incident injured four personnel, raising concerns about the gun’s design and safety. This setback led to a thorough reassessment of the gun’s design and additional rounds of rigorous testing.
Over the next two years, the ATAGS underwent extensive trials in challenging conditions, including high-altitude areas in Sikkim and the deserts of Pokhran. These tests were crucial to ensure the gun’s reliability and performance in real-world scenarios.
By 2023, the ATAGS had successfully completed all trials and was declared ready for production. Its capabilities were further validated when Armenia placed an order for the gun in 2024, marking its first international sale. Finally, in 2025, the CCS approved the purchase of 307 ATAGS guns for the Indian Army, cementing its role as a cornerstone of India’s artillery modernisation efforts.
India’s Artillery Modernisation Plan
Artillery is a game-changer in war because of its powerful and long-range firepower. It supports ground troops, softens enemy defences, and can be used in different terrains like mountains, deserts, and plains. Artillery can hit targets far beyond the reach of infantry weapons, making it a key tool for both defence and attack.
During the 1999 Kargil War, the 155 mm Bofors howitzers played a crucial role by providing strong fire support to Indian troops. With India’s long land borders, artillery is essential for defending forward positions and striking deep into enemy territory.
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The Indian Army is upgrading its artillery to stay ahead in modern warfare. It is replacing older 130 mm guns with more powerful 155 mm guns under the Sharang project. The Army is also buying 114 Dhanush guns, India’s first indigenously built artillery guns, with full induction expected by 2026.
Other include the M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzer and the K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzer. In December 2024, the Army ordered an additional 100 K9 Vajra-T units to further boost its firepower.
The Army is also introducing advanced systems like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), and Towed Gun Systems (TGS). These systems are being developed in India through partnerships between the government and private companies, supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat
Bharat Forge’s Role in Artillery Development
Bharat Forge, a leading Indian company, is playing a big role in developing new artillery systems. It is competing in both the 155 mm Mounted Gun System (MGS) and Towed Gun System (TGS) projects.
For the MGS, field trials are scheduled for December 2025, and for the TGS, evaluations will happen in July 2025. Bharat Forge and other companies are working hard to meet these deadlines and deliver high-quality systems.
