12 Things to Know About Army’s “Advanced Towed Artillery Artillery Gun System” (ATAGS)

The DRDO recently successfully conducted proof firing tests of Armament system for 155 mm x 52 calibre New Advanced Towed Artillery Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The tests were conducted as part of technical trials at Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Balasore, Odisha on 21 Jul 2016.

Here are the key facts about the ATAGS:

1. ATAGS is a fully indigenous, towed artillery system initiative that is part of the Indian army’s artillery modernization program.
2. It was designed and developed by Pune-based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) along with the collaboration of other DRDO laboratories.
3. The Armament system of ATAGS mainly comprises a barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunitions.
4. The ATAGS armament system will provide the army with a weapon to fire at longer ranges, with greater accuracy and precision.
5. It has a longer firing range of 40 Kms with accuracy and precision and provides greater fire power. It also has night firing capability in direct fire mode.
6. ATAGS is configured with an all-electric drive to ensure a maintenance-free, reliable operation over a longer period of time.
7. It features advanced features in the areas of mobility, deployment, auxiliary power, communications and automatic command and control systems.
8. The new gun will be capable of firing 5 rounds in short duration with a maximum range of 40 kilometers, depending on the ammunition type.
9. The gun will be lighter than most other guns in the same category, which will assure “high mobility” and “quick deployability”. The 1999 Kargil War illustrated the utility of light-weight artillery that can be quickly deployed in mountainous regions.
10. The gun’s development is part of New Dehli’s “Make in India” initiative that seeks to bolster home-grown products in a variety of sectors.
11. DRDO seeks to have the ATAGS ready for user trials by early 2017.
12. DRDO aims to develop the artillery gun system with the participation of private industries with the participation of Ordnance Factories, DPSUs and private industries including Bharat Forge, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division, and Mahindra Defence Naval System.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Defence Ministry has approved bulk production of 18 Dhanush artillery guns. Dhanush, which has been developed by the Ordnance Factory Board, is a 155mm x 45 calibre howitzer. It has a range of 38 km.