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India’s premier indigenous artillery project, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), has been named "Amogh" (अमोघ), meaning 'Infallible'.
The new name was spotted on the gun system during the recent rehearsals for the upcoming Army Day parade, scheduled for January 15 in Jaipur.
This development strongly suggests that the Indian Army has finalised the nomenclature for the weapon system as it approaches large-scale induction.
Symbolism and Operational Readiness
The decision to rename the ATAGS to 'Amogh' holds considerable weight in both symbolic and operational terms.In the traditions of the Indian military, bestowing a formal name upon a weapon system often signals the transition from a developmental prototype to a trusted, combat-ready asset.
The Sanskrit term 'Amogh' translates to "unerring" or "that which does not fail," reflecting the Army's confidence in the gun’s accuracy, reliability, and its future role as a mainstay of the artillery regiments.
The visibility of the name during the parade rehearsals serves as a clear indicator that the system has successfully cleared critical evaluation milestones. It marks the gun's evolution from a research project into an operational identity, ready for active service.
World-Class Capabilities
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with private industry majors Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge, 'Amogh' is designed to be one of the most capable towed artillery systems in the world.The 155mm/52-calibre howitzer has demonstrated exceptional performance parameters during extensive field trials. Notably, it has achieved firing ranges exceeding 48 kilometres, a record-breaking figure for a gun in its category.
The system is also distinguished by its high degree of automation. Features such as an advanced all-electric drive, an automated ammunition handling system, and modern fire control computers allow for rapid deployment and high sustained rates of fire—capabilities that are critical for modern warfare.
Boost for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'
From an industrial standpoint, the formal christening of the gun reinforces the success of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative in the defence sector. The ATAGS programme has served as a pioneering model for public-private partnership in complex weapon development.The Indian Army has already initiated the procurement process for the system, with substantial orders expected to reduce the nation's historical dependence on foreign artillery suppliers.
The progress of 'Amogh' is being viewed as a benchmark for future indigenous projects, including missiles and armoured vehicles, proving that Indian industry can deliver world-class defence solutions.
