Philippines shows interest in Indian ATAGS 155mm towed artillery gun.

According to an article by IDRW on August 19, 2023, a Philippines delegation has made visits to multiple defense establishments in India, with a pronounced interest in artillery systems. The ATAGS 155mm towed artillery gun provided by Kalyani Strategic Systems, an affiliate of Bharat Forge, is currently under evaluation by Philippine officials to determine if it meets their defense needs.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Philippines shows interest in Indian ATAGS 155mm towed artillery gun (Picture source: Indian MoD)

The Philippines' interest in Indian artillery mechanisms follows its procurement of 12 units of the Soltam ATMOS 2000 155mm mobile self-propelled howitzer from the Israeli company, Elbit Systems, the previous year. This acquisition was a part of the initiative by the Philippines Army Artillery Regiment to update its artillery prowess.

The adaptable ATMOS system can be integrated into any 6x6 or 8x8 tactical vehicle, featuring a protected cabin meant for a team of 2-6 individuals, encompassing a driver, a commander, and three to four other crew members. Its primary function is to offer artillery support for diverse operations and can synchronize with current C4I systems.

The ATMOS is designed to launch a variety of 155mm ammunition, projectiles, and charges recognized by NATO and several other nations. It has storage for at least 18 rounds, inclusive of projectiles, propellants, and detonators. With ERFB-BB ammunition and an appropriate propellant, the ATMOS can achieve distances beyond 40km. This system is operational in artillery units across different nations.

The Philippines is also considering the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a 155mm/52 caliber towed artillery gun crafted by Kalyani Strategic Systems for the Indian Army. The ATAGS is equipped with modern functionalities, potentially making it a viable choice for the Philippines Army Artillery Regiment to augment its artillery strength and adaptability.

The ATAGS is an 18-tonne towed artillery gun requiring a 6-8 member crew. Its elevation capabilities are servo-controlled, ranging from -3° to +75°, and it possesses a servo-controlled traverse range of +/-25°, spanning a 25 m radius. The firing rate of the ATAGS varies from 5 rounds in 60 seconds for burst mode, 10 rounds in 2 minutes 30 seconds for intense mode, and 60 rounds in 60 minutes for sustained mode. Its effective range is 48.074 km, extending up to 52.074 km with High Explosive Base Bleed ammunition. A Ramjet Propelled Artillery Shell is in the development phase, aiming to push the range past 60 km. The gun incorporates an all-electric drive, sophisticated communication tools, and an automated command and control mechanism. It also possesses a direct-fire capability for operations during the night. The ATAGS is crafted to be compatible with C3I systems, notably the Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) termed Shakti.

ATAGS 155mm towed artillery gun demonstrated at DefExpo India 2018, near Chennai (Picture source: Army Recognition)

ATAGS 155mm towed artillery gun in self-moving version (6 wheels) at DefExpo India 2018, near Chennai (Picture source: Army Recognition)

ATAGS 155mm towed artillery gun (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Apart from towed artillery, the Philippines Marine Corps has already advanced its coastal defense by acquiring the Coastal BrahMos Cruise missile system, intended to shield the nation's coastal regions from potential adversaries.

Notably, the Philippines Army Artillery Regiment has also shown interest in the BrahMos Cruise missile system, indicating its ambition to incorporate advanced and multifunctional weaponry to enhance its operational efficiency.