In a significant boost to India’s artillery capabilities, Bharat Forge has emerged as the lowest bidder in the Indian Army’s tender for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), a deal valued at over 60 billion rupees ($700 million). This contract represents a major step in India’s drive to modernize its military assets and reduce foreign dependency in line with the “Make in India” initiative.
Under the terms, Bharat Forge will produce 60% of the howitzers, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will handle the remaining 40%. This division highlights a collaborative effort between the two companies, which jointly developed the ATAGS, blending Bharat Forge’s expertise in artillery production with TASL’s advanced system integration capabilities.
ATAGS: An Advanced Artillery Solution Built for Versatility and Power
The ATAGS has undergone rigorous trials in a range of challenging environments, including deserts and high-altitude areas like Sikkim. These tests confirm its reliability and operational readiness, equipping the Indian Army with a versatile, long-range artillery system tailored to diverse combat conditions.
Developed domestically, the ATAGS is a robust 155mm, 52-caliber towed howitzer, engineered for maximum impact and precision. Weighing around 18 tons, it operates with a crew of six to eight personnel and boasts an impressive rate of fire. In burst mode, the ATAGS can discharge five shells in under a minute. In intense firing mode, it reaches ten rounds within two and a half minutes and can sustain a firing rate of 60 rounds per hour. Its current range stands at 48 km with base bleed shells, but ongoing development could extend this to 78 km with advanced ramjet-propelled munitions.
Equipped with an auto-alignment and positioning system, the ATAGS has a flexible elevation range from -3° to +75° and a 25-meter rotation capability at ±25°. Its sophisticated recoil mechanism, utilizing electro-rheological or magneto-rheological fluid, minimizes shock during firing, enhancing stability and durability.
International Interest and Global Competitiveness
The ATAGS has already garnered international attention, with Armenia ordering 84 units, six of which have been delivered, underscoring the system’s appeal in the global defense market. This success in export markets not only strengthens India’s defense industry but also establishes the ATAGS as a competitive option on the international artillery stage.
Enhanced Mobility and Targeting Capabilities
In terms of mobility, the ATAGS can reach speeds of 80 km/h when towed and features a self-propelled mode with a 95 kW engine, allowing it to move at 12 km/h autonomously. The system includes a crane-assisted automatic loading mechanism that facilitates faster deployment and ammunition management. Additionally, it is equipped with a thermal sight, providing operators with precise targeting capability even in low-visibility conditions.
Paving the Way for a Stronger Indigenous Defense Sector
With the ATAGS contract, Bharat Forge and TASL are set to advance India’s artillery infrastructure significantly, positioning the ATAGS as a cornerstone in India’s defense modernization. This acquisition not only enhances the Indian Army’s operational capabilities but also strengthens India’s domestic defense sector, contributing to self-sufficiency in military technology. The completion of this contract will mark a milestone in India’s defense readiness, bolstering both national security and indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
