India’s Bharat Forge Negotiates ATAGS 155mm Towed Guns Contract with Indian Ministry of Defence.

According to a report published on November 19, 2024, by Indian Business Newspaper "The Hindu BusinessLine", Bharat Forge Limited, a Pune-based multinational company, has entered contract negotiations with India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the supply of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and accompanying Gun Towing Vehicles for the Indian Army.
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The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a 155mm/52 caliber towed artillery system designed in India, featuring an extended range, high rate of fire, and advanced automation for enhanced battlefield performance. (Picture source: Bharat Forge)

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) development is a significant step in India's efforts to enhance its indigenous defense manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative. The negotiations follow the Ministry’s *Acceptance of Necessity* issued in March 2023 to acquire 155mm/52 caliber ATAGS. Bharat Forge was selected for these negotiations after successfully completing the technical evaluation and commercial bidding processes, demonstrating the capability of its artillery system to meet the Army's requirements.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System, commonly known as ATAGS, is a state-of-the-art artillery platform developed under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) program in collaboration with private industry partners, including Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. The ATAGS is designed as a 155mm/52 caliber towed artillery system, capable of delivering exceptional performance on the modern battlefield. It features an extended range of over 48 kilometers with specialized ammunition, surpassing the range of traditional artillery systems. It

The ATAGS is also equipped with advanced automation technologies, including automated gun-laying and ammunition handling, which enhance operational efficiency and reduce crew workload. The system's high rate of fire, which supports both sustained and burst firing modes, makes it a versatile and powerful asset for the Indian Army. Furthermore, its modular design ensures flexibility across various terrain types, and it is compatible with diverse munitions. The accompanying Gun Towing Vehicles facilitate rapid mobility, ensuring swift deployment and repositioning during combat.

The ATAGS has undergone rigorous trials in diverse conditions, including desert landscapes and high-altitude environments, demonstrating its reliability and robustness under extreme operational scenarios. The current negotiations between Bharat Forge and the Ministry of Defence represent a critical milestone for the program and a major opportunity for the Indian defense industry to contribute to the modernization of the Army’s artillery. Bharat Forge has stated that it expects to conclude these talks by the end of the financial year 2024-25. While the final value of the contract remains undisclosed, the deal emphasizes the Indian Army's commitment to strengthening its artillery capabilities with indigenous solutions.

The successful implementation of this contract would not only boost Bharat Forge’s position in the defense sector but also mark a significant achievement for India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The ATAGS program reflects India’s strategic efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while showcasing the growing competitiveness of its domestic defense industry. Moreover, the induction of ATAGS is expected to enhance the Army’s firepower significantly, while the system’s proven capabilities could open avenues for export opportunities, establishing it as a strong contender in the global artillery market. This development is being closely watched, as it could lay the groundwork for further orders and broader adoption of indigenous military technologies.