In a significant advancement for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the operational capabilities of the Indian Army, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has formalized contracts valued at approximately ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. This procurement includes the 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles. The contracts were signed on March 26, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.
With this latest development, the total expenditures on capital procurement contracts by the MoD for the fiscal year 2024-25 have exceeded ₹1.40 lakh crore, underscoring the government’s strong dedication to bolstering indigenous defence capabilities. During the contract signing event, the Project Director of ATAGS from the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune received accolades from the Defence Secretary for his crucial role in the successful realization of this landmark project.
The 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS represents a cutting-edge, long-range artillery system intended to replace older, smaller calibre artillery currently in service with the Indian Army. This procurement is a pivotal step in the modernization efforts of India’s artillery regiments and is set to elevate the Army’s capabilities for conducting precise long-range strikes across varied operational contexts. The ATAGS system is distinguished by its exceptional lethality, mobility, and reliability, and is poised to transform the Army’s firepower by enhancing operational accuracy, range, and efficiency.
Additionally, the High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles sourced from Tata Advanced Systems Limited are expected to provide increased mobility and rapid deployment capabilities for artillery systems, further enhancing the Indian Army’s operational readiness and adaptability in combat scenarios.
This project is particularly significant as it marks the first major procurement of towed guns from the private sector by the Indian Army, thereby offering a substantial boost to India’s gun manufacturing industry and the broader indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. The ATAGS program, a joint initiative developed by DRDO, Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems, stands as a prominent example of successful public-private collaboration and demonstrates India’s expanding proficiency in the design and development of sophisticated military technologies.
The acquisition of these advanced systems is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities and play a critical role in driving India’s economic growth, closely aligning with the Make-in-India initiative and the overarching vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The introduction of the ATAGS and 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles signifies a crucial chapter in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The success of this project is expected to not only strengthen India’s defence industrial base but also position the country as an influential player on the global stage in the domain of advanced artillery systems.
As India continues to enhance its military capabilities, these initiatives reaffirm the country’s commitment to establishing a future-ready, self-sufficient defence ecosystem, ensuring that India is prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests effectively.
