New Delhi: India’s indigenous defence manufacturing programme has reached an important milestone, with the 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for the Indian Army reportedly receiving bulk production clearance. Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will share the manufacturing responsibility in a 60:40 ratio.
According to the latest report, deliveries are expected to begin in the first quarter of FY2028, strengthening India’s long-range artillery capabilities.
Details of Indian Army ATAGS Deal
The bulk production clearance marks an important step towards large-scale manufacturing of the 155mm/52-calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System.
Read also: What Makes Tata’s 155mm Mounted Gun System One Of India’s Most Advanced Artillery Platforms?
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with Indian private defence companies, ATAGS is designed to replace older artillery guns currently used by the Indian Army.
The programme aims to improve the Army’s long-range firepower, accuracy and operational capabilities. It also supports India’s broader goal of reducing dependence on foreign defence equipment.
According to the reported production timeline, manufacturing activities are expected to gain momentum ahead of the first deliveries in FY2028.
Indian Army ATAGS Deal: Bharat Forge And Tata Advanced Systems To Share 307-Gun Order
The Indian government signed defence procurement contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore in March 2025 for 307 ATAGS guns and 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles.
Under the manufacturing arrangement, Bharat Forge will produce 60% of the total artillery gun order, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited will manufacture the remaining 40%. The company-wise production share is as follows:
- Bharat Forge: 184 ATAGS guns (60% of the order).
- Tata Advanced Systems Limited: 123 ATAGS guns (40% of the order).
Bharat Forge has officially confirmed its contract for 184 artillery systems, representing 60% of the procurement.
The remaining manufacturing responsibility falls under the 40% share allocated to TASL. The project is also expected to strengthen India’s private defence manufacturing sector by expanding domestic production capabilities and supporting specialised defence engineering.
What are the Features of ATAGS
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System is a modern 155mm/52-calibre artillery platform developed to improve the Indian Army’s battlefield firepower.
Designed by DRDO, the system combines advanced engineering, automated operations and modern fire-control technology. Some of its important features include:
1. Long-Range Firing Capability
ATAGS is designed to deliver long-range artillery strikes. Its firing range exceeds 40 kilometres, depending on the ammunition and firing conditions.
During its development trials, the system achieved a range of approximately 48 kilometres, demonstrating its long-range capabilities.
2. Advanced Fire-Control System
The artillery gun features an integrated fire-control system that helps improve targeting accuracy and operational efficiency.
It includes an automatic gun alignment and positioning system, a muzzle velocity radar and a ballistic computer.
These technologies help calculate firing parameters and support accurate artillery operations.
3. Automated Ammunition Handling
ATAGS features an automated ammunition handling system that reduces the need for manual operations.
Its all-electric drive supports gun positioning and ammunition handling, improving operational efficiency.
4. Advanced Mobility And High-Altitude Operations
The ATAGS programme has undergone extensive testing in different terrains and weather conditions, including desert and high-altitude environments.
However, its weight and transportation requirements make specialised towing vehicles important for its deployment.
The procurement of 327 High Mobility 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles will support the movement and deployment of these artillery systems.
Why Is The 307-Gun ATAGS Order Important For The Indian Army
The procurement of 307 ATAGS guns is an important part of the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation programme.
The new systems will help replace older artillery platforms with modern, indigenous alternatives.
Their long-range firing capabilities and advanced fire-control technologies can improve the Army’s ability to engage targets at greater distances.
The procurement is also significant because it represents a major defence manufacturing project involving Indian private companies and DRDO-developed technology.
Furthermore, domestic manufacturing can help strengthen India’s defence supply chain, create industrial opportunities and support future upgrades.
Indian Army ATAGS Deal: ATAGS Deliveries Expected From FY2028
According to the reported production schedule, the first deliveries of ATAGS guns are expected in the first quarter of FY2028.
The complete delivery process is expected to take place in phases over approximately four years.
This phased approach will allow the Indian Army to prepare its personnel, training systems, maintenance arrangements and deployment infrastructure.
It will also give Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems time to expand and manage their respective production responsibilities. However, the reported delivery schedule and bulk production clearance should be distinguished from the original government contract announcement.
FAQs
Bharat Forge will manufacture 184 ATAGS guns, representing 60% of the order. Tata Advanced Systems Limited will manufacture the remaining 123 guns, representing 40% of the total 307-gun order.
ATAGS stands for Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System. It is an indigenous 155mm/52-calibre artillery gun developed by DRDO with Indian industry partners to improve the Indian Army’s long-range firepower.
According to the latest report, the first deliveries of the 307 ATAGS guns are expected in the first quarter of FY2028. The complete delivery process is expected to take place in phases over approximately four years.
