Pune/Ahmednagar, 8 July 2025 – India’s Army is set to deploy its first regiment of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) by February 2027. This induction signifies a major leap in artillery modernisation.
The DRDO‑developed ATAGS, a 155 mm/52‑calibre gun has demonstrated firing beyond 45 km, achieving a maximum range of 48 km in recent tests. The first product model is said to be ready for deployment and the another regiment of 18 guns will follow an year later.
Massive Orders Signal Manufacturing Shift
In March 2025, the Defence Ministry awarded contracts for 307 ATAGS guns and 327 high‑mobility 6×6 towing vehicles, worth approximately ₹6,900 crore. This procurement marks the first major towed artillery purchase from the private sector, reinforcing India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat push and replacing outdated 105 mm and 130 mm guns.
The ATAGS system offers superior mobility and lethality. It can be action-ready in 85–90 seconds and is operable in all weather. Indigenous content exceeds 80 percent, excluding specialized subsystems like muzzle‑velocity radars and alignment systems.
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MGS Brings ‘Shoot-and-Scoot’ Mobility
DRDO’s Vehicle R&D Establishment has developed the Mounted Gun System (MGS) demonstrator, mounting the ATAGS on an 8×8 vehicle with stabilisers and armour protection.
MGS achieves action readiness in 80 seconds, enhances survivability, and supports rapid deployment in varied terrains. The Army initially aims to acquire 300 MGS units, potentially scaling to 700. DRDO is also developing ramjet and inertial-guided ammunition to boost range and precision across both systems.
Strategic Impact and Future Readiness
Commissioning the first ATAGS regiment by early 2027 will significantly augment India’s artillery firepower and battlefield mobility, pointing towards a faster supply chain and industrial self-reliance.
Combined with MGS mobility and smart ammunition development, these systems modernise India’s artillery capabilities to meet future combat demands and support networked warfare. Further establishing the significance of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” narrative and how India is slowly marching towards self-sustenance in the defence sector.
