On March 20, 2025, In a significant boost to India’s defence capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), has granted final approval for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for the Indian Army. The Rs 7,000 crore deal was greenlit after a 12-year development saga. The final contract is expected to be signed next week.
Launched in 2013 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the ATAGS project sought to deliver a cutting-edge 155 mm artillery system to replace the Army’s outdated 105 mm and 130 mm guns. Developed in partnership with private sector leaders Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, the system endured rigorous testing across India’s deserts, plains, and high-altitude regions. Despite its proven capabilities, progress was stalled by bureaucratic delays, technical fine-tuning, and the challenge of aligning military needs with industrial output.
The breakthrough came in 2023 with the Acceptance of Necessity (AON), shifting procurement oversight to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Now CCS approval paves the way for contracts to be signed, with the first deliveries anticipated within 24 months.
All About ATAGS
ATAGS stands out for its cutting-edge engineering, tailored to meet the demands of contemporary combat. Its 52-caliber barrel delivers an exceptional firing range of up to 48 kilometers with extended-range ammunition—outpacing many global peers. his long reach allows the Indian Army to engage targets deep behind enemy lines, a critical advantage in conflicts along rugged borders like the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China or the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
Unlike traditional towed artillery, which relies heavily on manual operation, ATAGS features an all-electric drive system for loading, aiming, and firing. This enables a rapid burst rate of 5 rounds in 60 sec, an intense rate of 10 rounds in 2 min 30 sec, and a sustained 60 rounds per hour.
ATAGS is special not just for its technical prowess but for what it represents: a 12-year journey from concept to deployment, overcoming delays and skepticism to emerge as a world-class system. It embodies the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” vision, proving India can design, build, and sustain cutting-edge weaponry.
Before the Indian Army Armenian Ground Forces ordered 6 ATAGS from Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) by August 2023. They were delivered to Armenia by the end of 2023. As of October 2024, they intend to purchase an additional 84 units after successful trials at different locations.
