The momentum behind India’s defence export sector is accelerating rapidly, driven by the successful deployment of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) in Armenia.
This export success has triggered a wave of serious inquiries from multiple nations across the Middle East.
The proven combat readiness and sophisticated engineering of these Indian artillery platforms have effectively placed New Delhi on the map as a rising powerhouse in the global arms trade, offering high-performance solutions that are also cost-competitive.
The ATAGS is a 155mm/52 calibre howitzer developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with private industry leaders, including Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.
The system has distinguished itself with exceptional capabilities, including a world-record firing range of over 48 kilometres, high accuracy, and rapid mobility.
Armenia’s decision to procure these guns—starting with an initial batch of six units followed by a larger order for 84 additional systems worth approximately $155 million—has acted as a powerful endorsement. This operational validation in diverse terrains has assured potential buyers of the system’s reliability.
According to sources within the defence establishment, this success has led to a flurry of diplomatic and commercial activity from the Middle East.
While inquiries have come from various quarters, it is understood that at least two to three specific nations have moved beyond initial discussions to receive detailed technical briefings.
These presentations have covered a spectrum of artillery solutions manufactured by both India's public sector undertakings and private defence firms.
Reports suggest that nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have previously conducted trials or signed related component contracts, signalling that they may be among the primary interested parties.
The scope of these briefings extends well beyond the towed ATAGS howitzer. Indian officials are showcasing a diverse portfolio that includes mounted gun systems (MGS), ultra-light howitzers designed for mountainous warfare, and precision-guided ammunition.
For instance, the Kalyani Group’s MArG 155—a mounted artillery system capable of "shoot and scoot" tactics—has been highlighted for its ability to deploy quickly and strike with precision.
This variety ensures that potential buyers can find solutions tailored to specific operational requirements, from desert warfare to high-altitude defence.
This growing interest is reflective of a broader strategic shift in the region. Middle Eastern nations are increasingly looking to modernize their armed forces by diversifying their procurement sources, moving away from a sole reliance on traditional Western or Russian suppliers.
India’s offering is particularly attractive because it combines NATO-standard interoperability with competitive pricing and a willingness to engage in technology transfer.
This flexibility allows buying nations to not just purchase hardware, but also develop their own domestic maintenance and industrial capabilities.
As high-level discussions continue, there is a strong possibility that these initial inquiries will mature into substantial export contracts.
Such deals would significantly bolster India’s goal of achieving ₹50,000 crore (approximately $6 billion) in annual defence exports by 2028-29.
By providing systems that integrate superior firepower, mobility, and modern network-centric warfare capabilities, India is steadfastly cementing its reputation as a reliable and advanced partner for the armed forces of the Middle East.
