Rs 7K crore deal for acquisition of artillery gun system okayed

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a deal to procure the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 7,000 crore — marking a significant step in indigenous artillery manufacturing.

Advertisement

ATAGS is India’s first indigenously designed, developed and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun system. Its procurement is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army.

The gun system features a long 52-calibre barrel, enabling an extended firing range of up to 45 km. Due to its larger calibre, ATAGS ensures higher lethality by delivering increased explosive payloads while facilitating automated deployment, precise target engagement and reduced crew fatigue.

The CCS approved the procurement on Wednesday, sources said.

Developed through a collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian private industry partners, ATAGS incorporates over 65 per cent domestically sourced components. These include critical subsystems such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism, sources added.

The induction of ATAGS is expected to play a crucial role in modernising the Army’s artillery by replacing outdated 105 mm and 130 mm guns.

The production of ATAGS will establish a robust supply chain for spares and ensure seamless life cycle maintenance. Its indigenous development guarantees long-term product support, strengthening India’s self-sufficiency in defence technology, sources said.

A key advantage of ATAGS is its minimal reliance on foreign components. Critical subsystems such as the navigation system, muzzle velocity radar and sensors are designed and sourced indigenously, reducing India’s dependence on foreign technology and imports, sources added.

The indigenous production of ATAGS is also expected to bolster India’s position in the global defence export market, paving the way for future defence exports, they said.