The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited to procure 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles. The total deal, valued at approximately Rs 6,900 crore, aims to enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness and modernize its artillery capabilities.
The contracts were formalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the deal last Wednesday, paving the way for the Indian Army to acquire 307 ATAGS units.
With this signing, the total capital procurement contracts inked by the MoD in the current financial year (2024-25) have reached Rs 1.40 lakh crore. During the event, the Defence Secretary felicitated the Project Director of ATAGS from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in recognition of his pivotal role in realizing the project, the Defence Ministry noted.
In a major boost to #AatmanirbharBharat, MoD has signed contracts worth Rs 6,900 Cr with @BharatForgeLtd & @tataadvanced for the procurement of 155mm/52 Cal ATAGS & 6×6 High Mobility Gun Towing Vehicles. This marks the first major towed gun procurement from the #privatesector,… pic.twitter.com/utzvRf0HqF
— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) March 26, 2025
Modernizing the Indian Army’s Artillery Capabilities
The 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS will replace older and smaller-calibre artillery systems, significantly bolstering the Army’s firepower. The procurement marks a major milestone in artillery modernization, equipping the force with advanced, long-range precision-strike capability. Known for its superior lethality and extended range, the ATAGS will enhance India’s border security, particularly along the frontiers with China and Pakistan.
It marks the first large-scale procurement of towed artillery from the private sector, providing a substantial boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.
“This project is a proud flag-bearer of Atmanirbhar Bharat, significantly contributing to employment generation and economic growth in alignment with the Make-in-India initiative,” the Defence Ministry stated.
Indigenous Production and Future Expansion
The ATAGS contract will be executed in a 60:40 ratio between Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Pune-based Bharat Forge, under KSSL, will manufacture 60% of the guns, while TASL, the second-lowest bidder, will produce the remaining 40% as per the MoD sources.
Beyond this deal, the Indian Army has issued a tender for an additional 400 howitzers. Leading defence firms—including Bharat Forge, L&T, Adani Defence, and the Ordnance Factory Board—are in the fray for this order.
Global Recognition and Performance
The ATAGS program received the Ministry of Defence’s Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in March 2023. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Group, the ATAGS is a cornerstone of India’s self-reliance in defence technology.
Bharat Forge has also made a mark internationally, securing an export order for ATAGS from Armenia in 2022. Encouraged by its operational performance, Armenia is reportedly considering a follow-on order for a larger batch.
Cutting-Edge Capabilities
The ATAGS boasts an impressive firing range of 35 to 45 km, depending on the ammunition type, and even set a record of 47 km during trials. These advanced artillery guns developed over the past 12 years, are now set to reinforce the Indian Army’s firepower, positioning it at the forefront of modern artillery warfare.
Ravi Shankar
