The Indian Army is set to begin trials of a domestically developed mounted gun system (MGS) capable of firing and relocating within 85 seconds, a feature that offers a tactical edge in modern warfare by avoiding enemy counter-battery fire. The weapon will be tested across diverse terrains and weather conditions, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) officials confirmed on Monday.
The MGS, developed at the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, is a 155mm/52 calibre truck-mounted howitzer derived from the advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS). It can fire six rounds per minute and accurately hit targets over 45 kilometres away. The gun has already demonstrated its capabilities in internal trials conducted at Balasore and Pokhran, where it fired over 100 rounds successfully.
With an indigenous content of up to 85%, the system incorporates shock-absorbing stabilisers, a blast-resistant armoured cabin, onboard silent electric power, and an integrated electronic controller. Its design allows it to be rapidly deployed and offers enhanced mobility, matching the speed and flexibility of mechanised units.
The army has requested the MGS for preliminary trials outside the current competitive bidding process initiated in 2023. Firms competing for a separate order of 300 mounted gun systems include Bharat Forge Limited, Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence in partnership with an Israeli firm, and Advanced Weapons Equipment India Ltd.
DRDO has transferred the MGS production technology to Bharat Forge. The Indian Army estimates a requirement of 700–800 such systems. Bharat Forge and Tata are already on contract to supply 307 ATAGS units under a ₹6,900 crore deal signed in March 2025.
Officials say the MGS offers advantages similar to French Caesar and Israeli ATMOS systems, both of which gained prominence during the Russia-Ukraine conflict for their high mobility and quick repositioning capabilities. India’s upcoming evaluations aim to bridge its high-mobility artillery gap.
The move is part of a larger artillery modernization strategy that includes five key pillars: upgrading to 155mm guns across regiments, inducting longer-range precision rockets and missiles, acquiring lethal ammunition, revamping surveillance and target acquisition units, and shortening the sensor-to-shooter loop.
Apart from the MGS, India is also inducting self-propelled K9 Vajra-T guns. A repeat order worth ₹7,629 crore was signed with Larsen & Toubro in December 2024. Except for the US-imported M777 ultra-light howitzers, most of India’s new artillery acquisitions in recent years have been indigenous.
