An ATGS during field trials. (File photo)
New Delhi: In a landmark move to bolster the operational readiness of the Indian Army, the Ministry of Defence has inked contracts worth ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The agreements, signed on Wednesday in the presence of the defence secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, aim to procure 155mm/52-calibre advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) and high- mobility 6x6 gun-towing vehicles (HMGTV), marking a significant step in the modernization of India’s artillery regiments.
Key Details of the Contracts
Under these contracts, Bharat Forge will supply 307 units of ATAGS, while TASL will provide 327 HMGTVs. These systems are set to equip 15 artillery regiments of the Army, replacing vintage and smaller-calibre guns currently in service. The procurement falls under the “Buy Indian – Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured (IDDM)” category, aligning with India’s efforts to promote self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
It may be mentioned that defence ministry’s Defence Acquisitions Council gave the initial nod (acceptance of necessity) for the procurement of 307 ATAGS for the Army way back in March 2023, as India Sentinels had reported then.
The ATAGS, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in collaboration with Bharat Forge and TASL, boasts cutting-edge capabilities. With a range exceeding 40 kilometres, advanced fire control systems, precision targeting, automated loading mechanisms, and recoil management technology, it has undergone rigorous testing across diverse terrains and weather conditions. Notably, the system achieved a record range of nearly 48 kilometres during trials at Pokhran Field-Firing Range.
Strategic Importance
The ATAGS will significantly enhance the firepower and precision of the Indian Army’s artillery regiments. Its ability to deliver long-range strikes with high lethality makes it a pivotal addition to India’s defence arsenal. Furthermore, this procurement marks the first major acquisition of towed artillery guns from private sector companies, underscoring a shift towards leveraging domestic industrial capabilities for defence needs.
The HMGTVs supplied by TASL will provide crucial mobility for these advanced artillery systems. These vehicles are designed for rugged terrains and high operational efficiency, ensuring swift deployment and repositioning during combat scenarios.
Contribution to Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem
This project is expected to stimulate India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem by fostering innovation and creating employment opportunities. Both Bharat Forge and TASL are key players in India’s defence industry. Their involvement in this project highlights their capabilities in delivering world-class military equipment while adhering to stringent quality standards.
With this ₹6,900 crore deal, the defence ministry’s total capital procurement contracts for FY 2024-25 have reached ₹1.40 lakh crore. During the signing ceremony, the defence secretary also honoured Shailendra V Gade, an outstanding scientist and the DRDO’s project director for ATAGS from its Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, for his key role in realizing this ambitious project.
This acquisition not only strengthens India’s military capabilities but also reinforces its strategic objective of achieving self-reliance in defence production.
About Bharat Forge Limited
Pune-headquartered Bharat Forge Limited is a global leader in manufacturing forged and machined components for automotive and non-automotive sectors. As the flagship company of the Kalyani Group, it operates 18 manufacturing facilities across five countries, including 11 plants in India. Bharat Forge has been instrumental in advancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities through its expertise in powertrain and chassis components as well as its involvement in projects like ATAGS.
About Tata Advanced Systems Limited
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Sons Pvt Ltd, specializes in aerospace and defence solutions. Headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana, TASL offers products ranging from aerostructures and airborne platforms to land mobility systems. The company is renowned for its engineering excellence and has played a vital role in enhancing India’s security infrastructure through its innovative solutions.
