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A New Era for India’s Artillery
The Indian Army is poised to end a four-decade-long artillery modernization drought with the imminent signing of a ₹7,000 crore contract for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). Developed indigenously by Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the ATAGS marks a transformative shift from India’s reliance on foreign artillery imports. This deal, the largest since the controversial 1986 BOFORS procurement, underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing. However, Armenia is already in the process of procuring 84 Guns from India.
The BOFORS Scandal: A Legacy of Caution
The 1986 Deal and Its Fallout
In 1986, India signed a ₹1,437 crore deal with Sweden’s BOFORS for 410 FH-77B 155mm howitzers. These guns proved their mettle in the 1999 Kargil War, but the deal was overshadowed by allegations of ₹64 crore in kickbacks involving top Indian politicians and officials. The scandal led to the collapse of Rajiv Gandhi’s government and instilled a deep-seated fear of corruption in defense deals.
Impact on Artillery Modernization
For decades, the BOFORS scandal paralyzed India’s artillery procurement. Governments avoided large-scale gun purchases, leading to a critical capability gap. By the 2000s, over 50% of the Army’s artillery pieces were obsolete, with some World War II-era guns still in service. The scandal also highlighted the need for transparency and indigenous production, paving the way for initiatives like “Make in India.”
Indigenous Renaissance: ATAGS and Dhanush
ATAGS: A Technological Marvel
The ATAGS, a 155mm/52 caliber howitzer, is India’s first entirely indigenous artillery system. The ATAGS is designed to enhance India’s artillery firepower and reduce reliance on foreign systems. Initiated in 2013, it has been developed in collaboration with private partners like Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, aligning with India’s “Make in India” initiative. ₹7,000 crore contract for 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), 60% of the Guns will be made by Bharat Forge (L1 Bidder) and 40% will be made by Tata Advance (L2 bidder to match L1 bidder). The system has undergone extensive trials, including high-altitude tests in Sikkim. The ATAGS offers several advantages that make it a significant asset for the Indian Army:
1. Extended Range and Firepower: The ATAGS boasts a 48 km range with charge 7 ammunition, outpacing many NATO-standard systems (typically limited to 40 km). This extended reach enhances deep-strike capabilities, giving India an edge in counter-fire scenarios.
Maharashtra2. All-Electric Drive System: Unlike traditional hydraulic systems, the ATAGS uses an all-electric drive, improving reliability and reducing maintenance needs. This design lowers lifecycle costs and ensures operational readiness over extended periods.
3. High Mobility and Quick Deployability: Towed by a 6×6 platform, the ATAGS demonstrates excellent mobility, achieving speeds of 18-19 km/h on roads and 10 km/h cross-country. Successful trials in diverse terrains, including deserts (Rajasthan) and high-altitude areas. highlight its versatility.
Hello wow4. Advanced Technological Integration: The system features sophisticated electronics, including an automatic command and control system compatible with the Indian Army’s Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS). It supports night firing and a burst firing mode (five rounds per minute), enhancing operational flexibility. It also features an automated ammunition handling system, reducing crew workload and enabling 5 rounds per minute burst fire.
5. Indigenous Development: Being developed domestically, the ATAGS reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, fostering self-reliance and supporting local industry. This also allows for customisation to meet India’s specific operational needs. Above all, its modular design allows quick repairs in combat zones.
6. Suitability for Diverse Terrains: Designed to operate in extreme conditions, from the icy heights of Ladakh to the deserts of Rajasthan, the ATAGS is tailored to India’s varied geography, making it a versatile tool for strategic deployment.
7. Indigenous Content: Over 80% locally sourced components, reducing dependency on imports.
Dhanush: The ‘Desi BOFORS’
The Dhanush, an upgraded version of the BOFORS, is manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in Jabalpur. Enhancements include:
- Range Boost: 38 km with standard shells, 42 km with extended-range ammunition.
- Digital Systems: Integrated with inertial navigation and onboard ballistic computers for pinpoint accuracy.
- Indigenous Upgrades: Improved barrel life and electronic safety mechanisms.
The Army plans to induct 400 Dhanush guns, with 12 regiments already operational.
Why ATAGS and Dhanush Matter
Strategic Imperatives
- Border Dominance: ATAGS’s 48 km range allows strikes deep into enemy territory, crucial for countering China’s PLZ-52 (53 km) and Pakistan’s M109A5 (22 km).
- Self-Reliance: Reduces vulnerability to geopolitical pressures (e.g., US blocking Russian spare parts).
- Economic Boost: Creates jobs with the ₹2.5 lakh crore defense production target by 2025.
Operational Flexibility
ATAGS’s compatibility with multiple ammunition types (HE, DPICM, Excalibur) and ability to fire in “zone beyond visual range” (ZBVR) mode enhances battlefield versatility.
Challenges and Criticisms
Technical Hurdles
- Barrel Bursts: During 2017-2020 trials, barrel overheating incidents raised concerns. DRDO claims these were resolved with advanced metallurgy.
- Weight Issues: At 18 tonnes, ATAGS is heavier than BOFORS (11 tonnes), limiting air mobility. At 18 tons, the ATAGS is heavier than the Indian Army’s recent preference for systems under 15 tons (e.g., the upcoming Advanced Light Towed Gun System). This weight may limit mobility in rugged or mountainous terrains, posing challenges for rapid deployment.
Cost and Production Concerns
- High Per-Unit Cost: ₹22 crore (Approx) per gun vs. ₹14 crore for Dhanush. Critics argue funds could be better spent on drones or missiles.
- Production Delays: Bharat Forge’s current capacity is 18 guns/year; scaling to 100+ annually requires significant investment.
But Its a Game Changer
The ATAGS is a game-changer for India’s artillery, offering cutting-edge technology, an impressive range, and the strategic benefit of indigenous development. However, its weight, cost, and procurement delays present notable challenges. The controversy over its high-altitude performance further underscores the need for continued testing and refinement. As of March, 2025, the ATAGS represents both a significant achievement and a work in progress for India’s defense modernisation efforts.
Future Artillery Modernization: Beyond ATAGS
The Indian Army’s Artillery Rationalization Plan (target: 3,000+ guns by 2030) includes:
- Mounted Gun Systems (MGS): 814 truck-mounted guns for rapid desert warfare response.
- K9 Vajra-T: 100+ self-propelled howitzers (L&T-Hanwha collaboration), with 50 km range and nuclear-biological-chemical (NBC) protection.
- M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers: 145 U.S.-made guns (inducted in 2018) for high-altitude warfare, transportable by Chinook helicopters.
- Pinaka Mk-III: Extended-range (90 km) rocket systems to replace outdated GRAD launchers.
Global Comparisons and Export Potential
ATAGS competes with France’s Nexter CAESAR (42 km) and Israel’s ATMOS (41 km). With a 48 km range, it could attract interest from Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern nations. Bharat Forge has already tested ATAGS in UAE deserts, signaling export ambitions. Armenia is already in the process of procuring 84 Guns from India.
Conclusion: A Milestone with Caveats
The ATAGS deal is a watershed moment for India’s defense ecosystem, symbolizing technological prowess and strategic autonomy. However, overcoming production bottlenecks and cost challenges is critical. As India faces dual threats from China and Pakistan, modern artillery is not just a tool of war but a deterrent. The journey from BOFORS to ATAGS reflects a nation learning from its past to secure its future, one cannon at a time.
