New Delhi: India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme has reached another milestone with bulk production clearance granted for 307 units of the 155mm/52-calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) ordered by the Indian Army. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of the financial year 2028.
The production order will be shared between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in a 60:40 ratio. Bharat Forge will manufacture 184 artillery guns, while TASL will produce the remaining 123 units.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), ATAGS is designed to strengthen the Army’s long-range artillery capabilities and reduce dependence on imported weapon systems.
The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth approximately Rs 6,900 crore in March 2025 for the procurement of 307 ATAGS guns along with specialised 6×6 high-mobility towing vehicles.
With bulk production clearance in place, manufacturing is expected to gather pace, followed by phased deliveries over approximately four years. The induction schedule will be aligned with the Army’s training and deployment requirements.
Weight poses logistical challenges
The current procurement of 307 guns represents an initial step towards meeting the Army’s estimated requirement of 1,400 to 1,500 towed artillery systems.
One of the major considerations affecting wider deployment is the ATAGS’ weight, estimated at around 18 tonnes. Its advanced features include an all-electric drive, automated ammunition handling and a modern fire-control system.
However, the Army’s existing towing infrastructure has largely been designed for artillery systems weighing less than 15 tonnes. The heavier ATAGS therefore requires specialised towing vehicles and additional logistical support for operational deployment.
Focus on lighter artillery systems
To address the Army’s wider artillery requirements, future procurement plans are expected to include lighter gun systems compatible with existing military logistics infrastructure.
The possibility of developing a lighter version of ATAGS under the Buy Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category is also being explored. Such a variant could retain the gun’s advanced firing capabilities while reducing its weight and improving mobility.
Indigenous gun gains export recognition
ATAGS has also attracted international attention, with its export to Armenia’s armed forces demonstrating the potential of India’s domestic artillery manufacturing capabilities.
The upcoming production programme is expected to strengthen the country’s defence industrial base through the participation of private manufacturers and DRDO-developed technology.
The induction of 307 ATAGS guns will add a new indigenous artillery platform to the Indian Army’s inventory, while future lightweight variants could help address the requirements of wider deployment.
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