Cabinet Committee on Security clears Rs 7,000 crore made-in-India artillery guns deal

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a Rs 7,000 crore deal to acquire new indigenous artillery guns, with the order set to be split between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with the private sector and has already been exported to Armenia.

Officials said that the PM Narendra Modi led CCS cleared the order and the contract is expected to be inked shortly, paving the way for a significant manufacturing project that is likely to generate 20 lakh man hours across sectors.

ATAGS is India’s first indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun. The Army has decided that all future artillery guns will be manufactured in India and has already initiated a program for a next generation weapon that will be fully indigenous.

The ATAGS will gradually replace older 105 mm and 130 mm guns that have been in service with the Army for decades. Over 65 percent of its components are sourced from domestic companies and 307 guns will be manufactured.

The ATAGS features a long 52-calibre barrel, with a firing range of over 40 km. With its larger calibre, the system ensures higher lethality, delivering increased explosive payloads while enabling automated deployment, target engagement, and reduced crew fatigue, officials said.

As reported, Bharat Forge had emerged as the lowest bidder for the contract after several rounds of trials and commercial negotiations. The order is being split 60:40 between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the two developmental partners for the indigenous guns.

The towed guns have been extensively tested by the army in different terrain, from desert areas to high altitude ranges in Sikkim, and have been found fit for induction. Among the tests conducted by the Army were sustained firing drills using just the backup battery at heights of over 13,000 feet and checking performance at extremely low temperature.

The defence industry is now working on a new, more advanced weapon as well, with the Army issuing a tender to acquire next generation artillery guns that will be designed, developed and manufactured in India. The Army requires 400 of these gun systems in the first phase though the requirement could be multiplied in the coming years as legacy equipment is replaced.