- The Defence Ministry has hailed the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) as a "mission mode success" as it moves forward to replace vintage, smaller-calibre guns in the Indian Army's artillery arsenal.
About ATAGS
- Full Form: Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System
Purpose:
- Designed for precision strikes and deep-range targeting
- Will replace older artillery guns and modernize Indian Army firepower
Development:
- Developed by ARDE (Armament Research and Development Establishment), a DRDO lab in Pune
- Production by private sector partners: Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems
Key Features of ATAGS
- Calibre and Range:
- 155 mm, 52-calibre gun
- Firing range: Over 40 km, making it one of the longest-range towed artillery systems globally
Ammunition Compatibility:
- Can fire all types of 155 mm shells including:
- High-explosive
- Precision-guided
- Smoke and illumination shells
Firing Capabilities:
- Rate of fire: 5 rounds per minute
- Can sustain 60 rounds per hour
- Features shoot-and-scoot capability for mobility after firing
- Shortest minimum range at high angles – unique in its class
Mobility and Drive System:
- Towed by a 6×6 platform for cross-terrain movement
- Equipped with an all-electric drive system, ensuring better reliability and reduced maintenance compared to hydraulic systems
Environmental Adaptability:
- Operational in extreme temperatures, suitable for diverse Indian terrains
Strategic Importance
- Marks a shift towards indigenization in defence manufacturing
- Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by boosting homegrown defence capability
- Enhances India's precision artillery strike capabilities for future warfare
- The ATAGS project reflects India's growing defence innovation capacity and strengthens the Army’s preparedness with long-range, high-precision artillery systems built with Indian expertise.