India Reinforces Its Firepower Capabilities With 307 New ATAGS Locally Made Howitzers
Bharat Forge has been selected as the lowest bidder in the Indian Army’s tender to acquire 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). This contract, valued at over 60 billion rupees (approximately 700 million euros), marks a major step forward in India’s artillery modernization efforts.
Under the terms of the contract, Bharat Forge will produce 60% of the 307 howitzers, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited will manufacture the remaining 40%. This division of production reflects the collaboration between the two companies in the development of the ATAGS.
The ATAGS has undergone rigorous testing, including trials in diverse geographic and climatic conditions such as deserts and high-altitude regions like Sikkim. These tests have confirmed the system’s reliability and performance, making it ready for operational deployment.
Beyond meeting domestic needs, the ATAGS has attracted international interest. Armenia has already ordered 84 units, with six delivered, underscoring the ATAGS’s competitiveness in the global artillery market.
This contract aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, which aims to promote indigenous production of defense systems and reduce reliance on imports. Integrating the ATAGS will bolster the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities, providing a robust and reliable system suited to the demands of modern conflicts.
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), developed in India, represents an advancement in Indian artillery due to its powerful 155mm caliber and 52-caliber barrel length. Originally designed between 2013 and 2017 by organizations such as the Armament Research and Development Establishment, Tata Power SED, and Bharat Forge, it has been produced by Kalyani Strategic Systems and Tata Advanced Systems since 2019, with six units in circulation. Weighing approximately 18 tons, it is a robust system that can be deployed quickly with an operating crew of six to eight personnel.
The ATAGS is equipped with an auto-alignment and positioning system, managed by a servo interface for elevation and rotation. It can achieve an elevation range from -3° to +75° and rotate within a 25-meter diameter at ±25°. Its advanced recoil system, based on electro-rheological or magneto-rheological fluid, ensures effective shock absorption during firing.
The firing capacity of the ATAGS is remarkable. In burst mode, it can fire five shells in just 60 seconds. In intense mode, it reaches ten rounds in two and a half minutes, and it can sustain 60 rounds per hour. This system has an effective range of 48.074 km with base bleed explosive shells, and with ongoing innovations, it could reach a maximum range of 78 km with ramjet-propelled shells.
Its automatic loading system, which includes a crane, facilitates the transport and deployment of ammunition, enhancing efficiency and reducing preparation time. Additionally, the ATAGS is equipped with a thermal sight for the operator, enabling precise targeting even in low-visibility conditions. In terms of mobility, it can achieve a speed of 80 km/h when towed by a vehicle and features a 95 kW autonomous propulsion system, allowing it to travel at 12 km/h in self-propelled mode.
The completion of this acquisition process is highly anticipated, as it will contribute to the advancement of India’s defense industry and improve national security.