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The Indian Army is poised to significantly enhance its artillery capabilities with the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) from Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL).
These indigenously developed 155mm/52-caliber howitzers are expected to be deployed primarily along the Western front, near the border with Pakistan, reflecting a strategic focus on countering potential threats in that region.
The ATAGS boasts an impressive range of 48 km, placing it among the longest-range towed artillery systems globally. Its advanced features, including a burst firing mode and sophisticated electronics, make it a potent addition to the Indian Army's arsenal. By deploying these guns along the Western sector, the Army aims to leverage their superior range and accuracy in the flat and semi-arid terrains characteristic of that region.
However, the ATAGS, weighing over 18 tons, presents logistical challenges for deployment in high-altitude areas such as Ladakh or the Eastern Himalayas. The rugged terrain and limited infrastructure in these regions can hinder the movement and operational flexibility of such heavy artillery systems.
Consequently, the Army is expected to rely on lighter artillery systems, such as the M777 ultra-light howitzers and lighter towed gun systems (TGS), for high-altitude deployments. These systems are better suited to the challenging terrain and logistical constraints of mountainous regions.
The decision to prioritize the ATAGS for the Western front underscores the Indian Army's strategic assessment of the specific threats and operational requirements in different sectors. While the ATAGS provides a significant firepower advantage in the plains and deserts of the West, lighter and more mobile artillery systems are deemed more suitable for the high-altitude regions.
