The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) inked contracts with Bharat Forge Limited and TATA Advanced Systems Limited on March 26, 2025, for the purchase of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 327 high-mobility 6×6 gun towing vehicles, totalling about ₹6,900 crore.
By replacing outdated and smaller calibre guns with contemporary 155mm/52 calibre weapons, which are intended to increase firepower and accuracy on the battlefield, this important agreement seeks to boost the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities.
The contracts were divided between the two businesses, with 123 weapons ordered from TATA Advanced Systems and 184 guns ordered from Bharat Forge. This purchase is a significant turning point since it is the Indian Army’s first significant purchase of towed guns from the private sector, demonstrating a dedication to independence in military production as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat program.
Working with both companies, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the ATAGS initiative in 2013 with the goal of drastically lowering reliance on imports.
With more than 65% of its parts sourced domestically, officials said, reliance on imports will be greatly decreased, with more domestic sourcing anticipated. The barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism are important subsystems that are made in the country.
With a strike range of more than 48 kilometres, the ATAGS artillery system has sophisticated fire control systems, automated loading systems, and improved recoil management. The recently inked contracts add to the ₹1.40 lakh crore in capital procurement contracts that the MoD has obtained so far this fiscal year.
defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh acknowledged the project director’s contributions from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune during the signing ceremony, emphasising the teamwork that went into this development in India’s defence capabilities.
In addition to improving military preparedness along the borders with China and Pakistan, this project is anticipated to create significant job possibilities in a variety of businesses, possibly adding up to 20 lakh man-days of labour. All things considered, this purchase is regarded as a vital step in modernising India’s artillery units and promoting expansion in the country’s defence manufacturing industry.
