In a significant development for India's defense industry, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has partnered with Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) to compete for the Indian Army's Towed Gun System (TGS) project. The joint bid will offer the Dhanush 155x52mm towed howitzer, with L&T taking on the manufacturing role if successful.
The TGS tender, initially for 400 units with a potential expansion to 1,200 units, is a cornerstone of the Indian Army's modernization efforts. The selected howitzer will replace aging artillery systems, providing the army with a crucial firepower upgrade.
L&T and AWEIL are emphasizing the Dhanush's compliance with the Army's weight restrictions. Weighing under 15 tons, the Dhanush is designed for rapid deployment across diverse terrains, a critical requirement for the Indian Army.
However, the competition is fierce. Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge have emerged as strong contenders, offering a lighter variant of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The ATAGS has already been cleared for production and is awaiting a separate manufacturing contract for 307 units, giving Tata and Bharat Forge a potential advantage.
While the Dhanush meets the weight requirements, it will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to prove its performance under various operational conditions. The competition from the lighter ATAGS variant, with its proven design and production readiness, adds to the challenges faced by L&T and AWEIL.
