The Indian Army is set to significantly bolster its artillery capabilities with the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) in 2025.
This announcement was made by Lt Gen Adosh Kumar, the Director General of Artillery, confirming the acquisition of this indigenously developed 155 mm/52 caliber howitzer.
The ATAGS program, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Kalyani Group and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, has successfully completed user trials and is cleared for production.
This acquisition is a major step towards modernizing the Indian Army's artillery and enhancing its combat readiness, particularly in challenging high-altitude environments like the border with Tibet.
The ATAGS boasts impressive range capabilities, exceeding NATO standards with its 25-litre chamber design. Utilizing specialized ammunition like the Extended Range Sub-Bore Boat Tail (ERFB BT) and ERFB Base Bleed (ERFB BB), the howitzer can strike targets at distances of 35 km and 45 km respectively, with a record firing range of 47 km achieved in 2017. This extended range provides a crucial advantage in critical situations.
Designed to withstand the harsh conditions of high-altitude warfare, the ATAGS has undergone rigorous testing in diverse terrains, including high-altitude ranges in Sikkim and the desert in Rajasthan. These trials included sustained firing drills at altitudes over 13,000 feet, low-temperature performance checks, and direct fire exercises on tank-sized targets both during day and night.
The journey of the ATAGS has not been without challenges. In 2020, a barrel burst during testing in Pokhran, leading to a setback in the program. Subsequent trials in 2021 revealed the need for further modifications to meet the Army's stringent criteria. However, successful trials in 2022 at the Pokhran Test Range paved the way for its final approval.
The contract for the ATAGS is expected to be finalized in March 2025. While the specific variant to be procured remains undisclosed, both Tata and Kalyani have developed their versions of the gun based on the DRDO's Technology Transfer (ToT), each with unique design elements and parameters.
