In News:

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) marks a significant milestone in India’s defence modernization. Developed indigenously under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the system is poised to replace the Indian Army’s ageing artillery with cutting-edge, high-performance firepower.

Key Facts:

• Calibre: 155 mm / 52 calibre
• Maximum Range: Up to 48 km, among the longest for towed artillery globally
• Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through ARDE (Pune)
• Production Partners: Bharat Forge Ltd and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd

Project Timeline & Cost:

• Project initiated in 2012 and completed within 12 years
• In March 2025, the Defence Ministry signed contracts worth ?6,900 crore for procurement of 307 ATAGS units and associated 6×6 towing vehicles
• Delivery scheduled over five years

Salient Features of ATAGS:

• Firing Modes: Burst, Intense, and Sustained fire
• Firing Capacity: Up to five rounds per minute, 60 rounds per hour
• Automation: Fully electric gun-laying and ammunition handling, replacing conventional hydraulics for enhanced reliability and reduced maintenance
• Shoot-and-Scoot Capability: Quick repositioning post firing to avoid counter-battery fire
• Rapid Deployment: Becomes operational within 90 seconds
• Mobility: Towed by a 6×6 high mobility vehicle, suitable for desert and mountainous terrain
• Ammunition Compatibility: Supports all 155 mm ammunition types including high-explosive, smoke, illumination, and precision-guided shells
• Minimum Range Advantage: Capable of achieving shortest minimum range at high elevation angles
• Operating Conditions: Designed for extreme climates

Strategic Significance:

• Artillery Modernization: Replaces vintage, smaller-calibre guns, enhancing range, accuracy, and tactical mobility
• Indigenous Content: Over 80% components sourced domestically, contributing to Aatmanirbhar Bharat
• Mission Mode Achievement: Described as an "exemplary mission-mode success" by the Ministry of Defence
• Multi-Sector Collaboration: Joint effort between DRDO, Indian Army, public and private sector manufacturers