28.5c India
The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and high-mobility towing vehicles, aiming to significantly boost local defence manufacturing. This move, which came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently approved the ATAGS contract, is a major step towards self-reliance in defence.
The ATAGS, a 155mm/52-calibre artillery cannon with an astonishing 48-kilometer range, is a testament to the Indian Army's commitment to enhancing its long-range attack capabilities. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been developing the system since 2013 to replace antiquated artillery with improved firepower. According to the contract, Bharat Forge will furnish 60% of the guns, while TASL will build 40%.
The defence ministry emphasized that this procurement is critical in modernizing the army's artillery regiments, reducing import dependency, and strengthening local defence production. This sale follows a ₹7,629-crore contract struck in January for 100 K9 Vajra-T self-propelled cannons, which are known for their high mobility, precision, and firepower.
India's growing artillery policy prioritizes mobility, precision, and fast strike capabilities to ensure battlefield superiority in future conflicts.