New Delhi: India is planning to acquire long-range indigenous artillery systems — the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The artillery gun, indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a 155mm, 52-calibre howitzer. It is reportedly designed and developed to operate from the deserts of Rajasthan to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, including Siachen.
In March 2025, the Defence Ministry inked deals valued at approximately ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the acquisition of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 327 high-mobility 6×6 gun towing vehicles, respectively.
The ATAGS will reportedly replace older and smaller calibre guns. “ATAGS, renowned for its exceptional lethality, will play a crucial role in bolstering the Army’s firepower by enabling precise and long-range strikes,” the Defence Ministry said, as quoted by media reports.
The ATAGS development program was initiated in 2013 by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune. The artillery gun was built by ARDE in collaboration with Bharat Forge and TASL.
According to reports, the delivery of the first regiment of 18 guns is expected within a year.
The 155mm, 52-calibre towed howitzer has a maximum firing range of around 48 km. It uses specialised ammunition, including the High Explosive Base Bleed (HE-BB) shell. It can reportedly fire five rounds in 60 seconds or 10 rounds in 2.5 minutes in burst mode.
Notably, ATAGS is reportedly compatible with existing 155mm shells in the Indian Army’s inventory.
The artillery gun can be fitted to a 6×6 high-mobility towing vehicle. ATAGS can deploy in around 85 seconds and has a power range of 45 kilometres. The gun can quickly reposition itself after firing — a boost to the Indian Army’s war capabilities.
Once mounted on a 6×6 high-mobility towing vehicle, ATAGS can fire and relocate quickly, a feature also known as ‘shoot and scoot’ capability, reported The New Indian Express.
The ATAGS is reportedly equipped with an all-electric drive system for gun laying, shell loading, and ramming, which enhances reliability and simplifies maintenance. Its advanced fire control system incorporates an Automatic Gun Alignment and Positioning System (AGAPS), a muzzle velocity radar, and a ballistic computer for precise targeting. It is also capable of operating at night, thanks to its sophisticated optronic sight and thermal imaging system.
The system is fully compatible with the Indian Army’s Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS), known as Shakti. This digital platform facilitates real-time targeting, significantly improving battlefield coordination and operational responsiveness.
Key Features of ATAGS:
Design & Mechanism:
- 155mm/52-calibre towed howitzer, developed by DRDO with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.
- All-electric drive for gun laying, shell loading, and ramming — improves reliability and reduces maintenance.
Firepower & Range:
- Extended firing range of up to 48 km (using Extended Range Full Bore – Base Bleed ammunition).
- High rate of fire with multiple firing modes: burst, intense, and sustained.
- Capable of firing NATO-standard 155mm ammunition.
Fire Control & Targeting:
- Equipped with:
✔ Automatic Gun Alignment and Positioning System (AGAPS)
✔ Muzzle Velocity Radar
✔ Ballistic Computer for high-precision targeting - Advanced digital fire control system enables fast and accurate response.
Night & All-weather Operations:
- Features thermal imaging and advanced optronic sight for night operations and low-visibility conditions.
Connectivity & Integration:
- Seamlessly integrates with Shakti (ACCCS) — the Indian Army’s Artillery Combat Command and Control System — enabling real-time target acquisition and enhanced battlefield coordination.
Mobility & Deployment:
- Towed by high-mobility 6×6 vehicles, facilitating rapid deployment and repositioning in various terrains.
Indigenous Development:
- Over 80% indigenous content, aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
- Successfully tested in high-altitude and extreme conditions.
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