India Boosts Defence Firepower with Rs 6,900 Cr ATAGS and Towing Vehicle Contracts

ATAGS is an all-weather, high-mobility towed artillery system that offers extended range, higher firing accuracy, rapid deployability, and ease of operation.

In a major step toward modernizing the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed two significant contracts on March 26, 2025, with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and 6x6 High Mobility Gun Towing Vehicles respectively. The combined value of these contracts stands at approximately ₹6,900 crore.

The contract signing ceremony took place at South Block in New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. These deals mark a pivotal development in the Indian Army’s ongoing artillery modernization programme, aligning with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

Capital Procurement Crosses ₹1.40 Lakh Crore for FY 2024-25

With these new contracts, the total capital procurement by the Ministry of Defence in the ongoing financial year 2024-25 has now crossed ₹1.40 lakh crore. This underlines the government's continued commitment to strengthening India's defence preparedness through indigenous defence production and self-reliance.

During the ceremony, the Defence Secretary felicitated the Project Director of ATAGS from the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune—part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). His recognition was a tribute to the immense contribution made in spearheading the development and realisation of the ATAGS project, which has been in the making for several years and involved rigorous testing and validation phases.

ATAGS: A Technological Leap in Artillery Modernisation

The 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS is poised to become a game-changer for the Indian Army’s artillery regiments. Designed for long-range precision strikes, the system offers significant improvements over the vintage artillery guns currently in use. The new guns are expected to replace the decades-old 105mm Indian Field Guns and other outdated systems.

ATAGS is an all-weather, high-mobility towed artillery system that offers extended range, higher firing accuracy, rapid deployability, and ease of operation. Developed indigenously by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, it boasts world-class capabilities, including a firing range of over 48 kilometers, advanced targeting systems, and the ability to fire various types of ammunition, including precision-guided munitions.

This procurement represents the first major acquisition of towed artillery systems from the private sector by the Indian Army, highlighting a paradigm shift in India’s defence acquisition model. By tapping into the potential of Indian private-sector giants, the project showcases a maturing and competitive defence manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

High Mobility Vehicles: Enhancing Tactical Deployment

In conjunction with the ATAGS guns, the Army is also acquiring High Mobility 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles from Tata Advanced Systems Limited. These vehicles are critical for the swift deployment and repositioning of the heavy artillery systems across varied terrain. The 6x6 vehicles are designed for rugged performance and will significantly boost the operational mobility of artillery units, particularly in remote and challenging border areas.

These tactical vehicles come equipped with features such as run-flat tyres, self-recovery winches, NBC protection (nuclear, biological, chemical), and the capability to carry crew and ammunition—thereby ensuring that artillery regiments can operate independently and effectively in high-pressure combat zones.

Boost to Indigenous Defence Industry and Employment

The signing of these contracts is also a strong indicator of the government’s push to foster indigenous defence production. The projects will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, promote technology transfer, and contribute to regional economic development. With manufacturing and supply chains spread across several Indian states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Gujarat, the ripple effects of these contracts will be far-reaching.

The involvement of private sector firms in such high-value contracts also reflects growing trust and confidence in Indian industry’s ability to deliver cutting-edge defence systems. It paves the way for future collaborations and R&D in artillery, munitions, and related technologies.

AatmaNirbhar Bharat in Action

Both the ATAGS and the towing vehicle projects exemplify the spirit of AatmaNirbhar Bharat, reinforcing India’s resolve to achieve self-reliance in defence production. They underscore a broader strategic shift in India’s defence policy—one that prioritizes indigenisation, resilience in supply chains, and strengthening of local manufacturing capabilities.

As India faces evolving security challenges across multiple fronts, the timely induction of state-of-the-art artillery systems like ATAGS will significantly bolster deterrence and warfighting capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The successful deployment of ATAGS will not only enhance India's artillery firepower but also open up export opportunities for indigenous weapons systems in friendly foreign countries. The government and DRDO are already exploring partnerships and avenues to position ATAGS as a globally competitive product in the field of towed artillery.

With a strong push toward innovation, collaboration between public and private sectors, and a growing industrial base, India is steadily moving toward becoming a global hub for advanced defence manufacturing. The latest procurement contracts are a testament to that journey—ensuring that the Indian Army is future-ready and that India continues to chart its path toward strategic autonomy.