In a major push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and bolstering the Indian Army’s operational capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, respectively. The contracts were formalized in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi, on March 26, 2025.
With these new agreements, the total value of capital procurement contracts signed by MoD in the current Financial Year 2024-25 has surpassed ₹1.40 lakh crore, reflecting the government’s steadfast commitment to enhancing indigenous defence capabilities. During the contract signing ceremony, the Project Director of ATAGS from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, who played a pivotal role in the realisation of this landmark project, was felicitated by the Defence Secretary in recognition of his significant contribution.
Modernizing India’s Artillery Capabilities
The 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS is a state-of-the-art, long-range artillery system designed to replace vintage, smaller-calibre guns currently in service. This procurement marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of India’s Artillery Regiments and will provide the Indian Army with advanced capabilities to conduct precise and long-range strikes in diverse operational environments. Renowned for its exceptional lethality, mobility, and reliability, the ATAGS system is expected to revolutionize the Army’s firepower by enhancing accuracy, range, and operational efficiency.
The High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, procured from Tata Advanced Systems Limited, will ensure enhanced mobility and rapid deployment of artillery systems, further augmenting the Indian Army’s operational readiness and flexibility in battlefield scenarios.
Boost to Indigenous Defence Manufacturing and Economy
This project represents the first major procurement of towed guns from the private sector by the Indian Army, providing a significant boost to India’s gun manufacturing industry and the broader indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. The ATAGS program, developed in collaboration between DRDO, Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems, is a shining example of public-private partnership and a testament to India’s growing expertise in designing and developing advanced military technologies.
The procurement of these systems is expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute significantly to India’s economic growth by promoting the Make-in-India initiative and reinforcing the government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Advancing Towards Self-Reliance in Defence
The induction of the ATAGS and 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles is a defining moment in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The success of this project will not only strengthen India’s defence industrial base but also position the country as a global hub for cutting-edge artillery systems.
As India continues to modernize its armed forces, these initiatives reinforce the nation’s resolve to build a future-ready, self-reliant defence ecosystem, ensuring that India remains well-prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and national interests.
