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).
CCS Clears Rs 7000 crore Deal For ATAGS
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 DRDO in partnership with the private sector and has already been exported to Armenia.
The Army will now advance in the procurement of the ATAGS a state-of-the-art 155mm howitzer developed indigenously. The acquisition of 307 ATAGS guns, will now be done after the go-ahead by the CCS. These guns boast a range of up to 48 kilometres and are being adapted into Mounted Gun Systems (MGS) by integrating them onto trucks. Trials for the MGS are slated to conclude by 2026.
The DRDO began the ATAGS project in 2013 to replace older army guns with a modern 155mm artillery gun system. Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited have manufactured the gun. Additionally, the Army plans to bolster its fleet of K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery systems. The existing 100 K9 Vajra guns, which have proven their effectiveness in desert, plain, and high-altitude conditions such as Ladakh, will be complemented by an additional 100 units by the end of 2025.
Rs 54,000 Crore Defence Boost
India is moving forward with a major defence upgrade. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved eight major capital acquisition proposals worth over Rs 54,000 crore. These procurements will enhance the capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. For the Army, the DAC has granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for acquiring 1,350 horsepower (HP) engines for T-90 tanks, replacing the current 1,000 HP engines. The upgrade is expected to improve the tanks’ mobility in high-altitude regions by enhancing the power-to-weight ratio.
The Navy will receive additional Varunastra torpedoes, an advanced ship-launched anti-submarine weapon. Designed by the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory, this indigenous system will boost India’s underwater combat capabilities against enemy submarines. The Air Force is set to strengthen its aerial defence with new Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems. These high-tech aircraft enhance battlefield awareness and coordination, significantly improving combat effectiveness.
