India Tests Bharat Forge MGS 155mm Truck Howitzer that can Fire and Reposition in 85 seconds for Rapid Deployment.

On July 7, 2025, Bharat Forge Limited’s Indian-made Mounted Gun System (MGS), a 155mm/52 calibre truck-mounted howitzer, which exemplifies the ‘shoot-and-scoot’ artillery concept, has entered extensive trials by the Indian Army to test its performance in multiple terrains and weather conditions. Designed to combine heavy firepower with rapid redeployment, this system comes at a time when lessons from recent conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war have underlined the need for high-mobility artillery. As reported by The Economic Times, the MGS promises to strengthen India’s drive for self-reliance in defence production and modernise its artillery regiments with an indigenous solution tailored for the diverse operational demands of the subcontinent.
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The latest phase of MGS trials is not just about technical validation; it signals India’s commitment to fielding agile, modern, self-reliant artillery systems that can adapt to the evolving demands of high-intensity warfare (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The Mounted Gun System, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) through its Ahmednagar-based Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), represents an evolution of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). Mounted on an 8x8 high-mobility vehicle chassis, the MGS integrates a fully armoured, blast-resistant cabin, shock-absorbing stabilisers, an on-board silent electric power system and a modern fire control suite. This configuration enables it to fire six rounds per minute at targets over 45 km away and redeploy within 85 seconds to evade enemy counter-battery fire. This high level of automation includes auto gun alignment, positioning systems and integrated electronic control, reducing crew workload and increasing survivability on dynamic battlefields.

Operationally, the MGS is the result of a decade-long effort by DRDO to address India’s longstanding need for modern, mobile artillery. The ATAGS project began in 2013 with a vision to replace vintage towed guns, and the MGS takes this a step further by mounting the system on a wheeled platform, combining the firepower of heavy artillery with the agility of mechanised formations. Internal trials at Balasore and Pokhran demonstrated the system’s robustness, with over a hundred rounds fired successfully. Now, this system is set for extensive field trials outside the ongoing competitive bidding process, giving it a significant edge. Production technology has already been transferred to Bharat Forge Limited, a key player in India’s private defence sector.

What distinguishes the MGS is its shoot-and-scoot capability—a decisive factor compared to similar systems like the French Caesar or Israeli ATMOS 2000. While all three systems aim to provide rapid mobility and precision fire, the indigenous MGS achieves up to 85% local content, enhancing self-reliance and reducing import dependency. Compared with older towed guns or static self-propelled artillery, the MGS is not only more survivable against modern counter-battery threats but also aligns with the Indian Army’s shift towards highly mobile, modular artillery formations capable of operating seamlessly alongside mechanised and armoured units.

Strategically, the induction of the MGS marks an important step in India’s broader artillery modernisation plan, which seeks to close technology gaps and address the realities of modern conflicts demonstrated in Ukraine. High-mobility artillery systems like the MGS provide a tactical advantage in contested regions such as high-altitude border areas and deserts, where rapid deployment and repositioning are critical for deterrence and defence. Geopolitically, this strengthens India’s posture against regional threats while showcasing indigenous capability to potential export customers seeking affordable, reliable shoot-and-scoot solutions.

Financially, the system is part of a larger procurement ecosystem. The defence ministry has already signed contracts worth over ₹6,900 crore (around USD 830 million) for ATAGS units, split between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. The Army is projected to require 700–800 MGS units, with a competitive tender for 300 such systems still ongoing. The last major contract in this domain, worth approximately ₹7,629 crore (about USD 920 million) for 100 locally assembled K9 Vajra-T tracked guns, underscores the scale of investment India is making to boost its artillery’s lethality, range and survivability through indigenous solutions.

The latest phase of MGS trials is not just about technical validation; it signals India’s commitment to fielding agile, modern, self-reliant artillery systems that can adapt to the evolving demands of high-intensity warfare. As the Indian Army moves forward with this promising capability, the MGS stands as a tangible symbol of how India’s defence industry is closing critical gaps while shaping a new era of indigenous, mobile firepower.