Ajit Karn
The Ministry of Defense has accepted the Indian Army’s proposal to purchase 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for deployment along the borders with China and Pakistan, marking a significant step towards ‘Make in India’ in the defence sector.
The Indian Army has submitted an over $1 billion proposal, which is currently under consideration. It is expected to be cleared and submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval in the near future.
According to the report, this would be the first order for the indigenous howitzer, which can strike targets up to 50 kilometres away and is considered the best gun in its class.
The gun has been tested at various altitudes and terrains by the armed forces. According to the report, “they have been upgraded based on user suggestions.”
The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has shared raw howitzer technology and know-how with two private companies, Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge group, and they will offer the system to the troops, which will consist of approximately 320 high mobility vehicles.
At the Pokhran Field Firing Range, tests of the 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) were concluded between April 26 and May 2. (PFFR).
According to the statement, the ATAGS is an indigenous towed artillery gun system project undertaken in mission mode by the DRDO as part of the Indian Army’s artillery modernization programme.
In addition to other DRDO facilities, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune is the DRDO’s central laboratory for the design and development of anti-tank guided missiles (ATAGS).
The development was conducted with the assistance of two industry partners, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. and Bharat Forge Ltd., as well as the active participation of other industries.
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The dependability of both firearms has been demonstrated by firing numerous rounds in a variety of zones, including burst, intense, and sustained modes. the DRDO recently reported achieving high precision and consistency in range and line with maximum range.
