Watch CutTheClutter: India’s Rs 7,000-cr order for 307 ATAGS artillery guns, its impact & pain points

In episode 1626 of Cut The Clutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Deputy Editor Snehesh Alex Philip break down the challenges with this deal, and the future of Indian artillery.

New Delhi: In a major boost to India’s artillery capabilities, the Defence Ministry has finalised a contract valued at around Rs 7,000 crore for the acquisition of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). This comes after the recent endorsement from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The contract will see Bharat Forge, a part of the Kalyani Group, receiving 60 percent of the order, while Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will be responsible for the remaining 40 percent. Both firms collaborated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the ATAGS development, highlighting the success of public-private partnerships in defence production.

Launched in 2013, the ATAGS initiative aims to upgrade the Indian Army’s artillery by replacing outdated systems with cutting-edge 155mm howitzers. The project has been subjected to comprehensive trials, including winter evaluations in Sikkim and desert assessments in subsequent years, to verify functionality across various terrains.

The anticipated introduction of ATAGS is expected to greatly improve the Army’s operational readiness along the borders with Pakistan and China. These domestically produced howitzers are projected to enhance the Army’s firepower, in line with the broader aims of the Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan, which seeks to standardise and modernise artillery resources.

Simultaneously, the Army is concentrating on the acquisition of 1,200 155mm/52 calibre Towed Gun Systems (TGS) to further strengthen its artillery capabilities. The first phase includes the procurement of 400 units, with the Defence Acquisition Council giving approval in November 2023. Trials for these systems are set to begin in 2025, demonstrating a sustained commitment to bolstering the Army’s artillery assets.

This strategic acquisition reflects India’s commitment to defence manufacturing self-reliance and illustrates a concerted move to equip the armed forces with advanced indigenous weaponry.

ATAGS order marks the first major artillery purchase since the 1987 Bofors deal. Twelve years after the development of the artillery platform began, a deal is set to be signed next week.

In episode 1626 of Cut The Clutter, Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta and Deputy Editor Snehesh Alex Philip break down the impact of this deal, the challenges, and the future of Indian artillery.