One example of India’s increasing defense technology independence is the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which was created domestically by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Bharat Forge and TATA Advanced Systems.
To guarantee their operational readiness in harsh environments, ranging from temperatures above 50°C in desert regions like Pokhran to below -30°C in high-altitude areas close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), rigorous testing procedures are necessary for artillery systems, including ATAGS. These assessments are universally applicable standards that are essential for both domestic and imported systems, not bureaucratic roadblocks.
Like other artillery systems like the Dhanush, K9-Vajra, and the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer, the ATAGS was put through extensive testing. The Indian Army has continuously backed the ATAGS project and offered helpful criticism as it was being developed. In 2021, preliminary testing revealed flaws, but rather than rejecting the system completely, the Army directed improvements. Retrials were carried out after DRDO and private industry partners made modifications until the system satisfied all firing and technical requirements in 2023.
A world-class artillery system, ATAGS has proven itself through extensive trials, despite criticism and accusations of bias toward imported systems like Israel’s ATHOS.
Extreme environments, such as hot deserts like Rajasthan and high-altitude areas like North Sikkim and Ladakh, have been used to test ATAGS. These tests verify its functionality, robustness, and adaptability in actual operational situations.
With its six-round automated magazine and other cutting-edge features, the ATAGS is a 155 mm/52-calibre howitzer that can fire five to six rounds per minute. It outperforms many current systems with a range of up to 48 km.
Being domestically designed and produced, it has been characterized as having strategic advantages over foreign alternatives such as the ATHOS.
A barrel burst incident in 2020 was one of the program’s setbacks, but these were resolved with careful analysis and design changes. The dedication to quality and safety is demonstrated by this iterative process.
The system has been further improved by implementing changes recommended by the Army during trials.
The ATAGS project, which falls under the “Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured” (IDDM) category, is an example of India’s drive for independence in defense manufacturing. DRDO collaborated with private companies like Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Bharat Forge to develop it.
After successful trials, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a ₹7,000 crore deal for the Indian Army to purchase 307 ATAGS units. This represents a major advancement in India’s artillery capabilities.
The Army has brushed off claims that it prefers foreign systems like ATHOS over ATAGS as baseless. Thorough testing is not a sign of bias; rather, it is a global standard practice to guarantee operational readiness.
As a result of the Army’s active involvement in the development process, ATAGS is in compliance with its General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQRs). A record-breaking 48-kilometer strike range, automated ammunition handling systems, and terrain compatibility are just a few of the gun’s cutting-edge features. After successful trials, orders for 307 ATAGS units are anticipated, which would be a major milestone in India’s domestic artillery program.
India’s firepower and operational readiness will be greatly increased with the introduction of ATAGS, which is anticipated to replace antiquated artillery systems. Its placement along key borders will lessen dependency on imports while enhancing national security. Furthermore, ATAGS’s potential as an exportable defense product is highlighted by the interest it has received worldwide, which will help India’s standing in the global defense market.
Important turning points and a resolute dedication to independence have characterized the Indian Army’s path toward artillery indigenization. This trajectory is highlighted by the acquisition and development of Towed Gun Systems (TGS), which demonstrate the Army’s emphasis on domestic solutions and operational needs.
To encourage domestic production, the Defense Ministry added TGS—including the Israeli ATHOS system—to the list of prohibited imports in 2019. The ATHOS procurement case was put up for foreclosure in 2022, indicating a clear move toward indigenous systems, even though it had advanced to the contract negotiation stage. The Army’s requirement for agile artillery that is suitable for mountainous terrains was met by the subsequent Request for Information (RFI) in 2022, which called for a lighter operational weight (15 tons) and a higher indigenous content. Claims of prejudice against foreign systems, such as ATHOS, whose weight was higher than the allotted amount, were refuted by this requirement.
At least 70% of the TGS procurement must be indigenous, making it fall under the “Buy Indian – IDDM” category. The Army’s preference for domestic solutions was further evidenced in February 2024 when they retracted an RFP for global procurement. The current designs are entirely indigenous and were created by Indian companies Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd., Tata Advanced Systems Ltd., and Bharat Forge.
The 19.5-ton operational weight of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) restricts its mobility in mountainous areas, despite its exceptional firepower and range. The Army started developing plans for a lighter TGS weighing less than 15 tons in order to address this. The procurement plan calls for the initial deployment of ATAGS in 15 regiments and lighter TGS in 20 regiments, with subsequent acquisitions contingent on operational input.
The Army has been actively promoting the development of indigenous artillery since the early 2000s through programs like weapon development teams, guaranteed procurement quantities, and joint ventures with the private sector and DRDO. Systems like Dhanush, K9 Vajra, Sharang, and ATAGS are the results of these efforts. With more than 65% of its components sourced domestically, India’s expanding defense manufacturing capabilities are demonstrated by the recent ₹7,000 crore deal for ATAGS.
India’s strict requirements for artillery systems guarantee dependable and strong performance. This strategy has decreased dependency on imports while bringing systems like ATAGS to the attention of the world. The Army’s emphasis on indigenization is indicative of a developed defense-industrial ecosystem that can satisfy contemporary operational requirements.
India’s ability to create advanced defense technology while lowering its dependency on imports is best demonstrated by the ATAGS. It is a key component of India’s artillery modernization efforts since its extensive testing procedure guarantees that it satisfies the Army’s exacting standards.
