28.5c India
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a ₹7,000-crore agreement for 307 locally built Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS).
This significant step not only enhances India's defence self-reliance but also marks a proud moment for the nation's progress in defence.
The 155mm/52-calibre ATAGS, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in 2013, with its impressive 48-kilometre range, will be manufactured by private companies Bharat Forge (60%) and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (40%).
This distribution of the order ensures the involvement of experienced And efficient entities in this crucial defence project.
The purchase is consistent with India's aim of equipping artillery units with upgraded 155mm weapons, precision-guided munitions, and greater surveillance. It further boosts the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" plan, with 75% of the defence modernization budget for Indigenous procurement. According to SIPRI research, India's attempts to increase local military production resulted in a 9.3% decrease in weapon imports between 2015-19 and 2020-24.