Indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)

Prelims Bits

Context:

The Indian Army is set to induct its first regiment of the indigenously developed ATAGS, a significant advancement in India’s artillery modernization efforts after successful performance trials.

What is ATAGS?

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is a 155mm/52 calibre long-range towed artillery gun, designed to deliver precision firepower on the battlefield.

• It is a key component of India’s strategy to replace obsolete artillery systems with modern, indigenously developed platforms.

Development and Collaboration:

• Developed under the Make in India initiative by:
  • DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)
  • Tata Advanced Systems Ltd
  • Bharat Forge Ltd

Objectives of ATAGS:

• To create a next-generation artillery system with:
  • High mobility
  • Rapid deployment capability
  • Long-range and accurate firepower
  • Enhanced battlefield adaptability

Key Features:

Feature	Description
Firing Range	Up to 48 km
Deployment Time	Operational readiness in under 90 seconds
Firing Modes	Supports Burst, Intense, and Sustained modes
Automation	Fully electric drive replaces traditional hydraulics for better reliability
Ammunition Handling	Includes automatic loading and onboard crane
Precision & Coverage	Wider firing arc for broader destructive capability
Indigenization	Over 80% components sourced domestically

 

Strategic Significance:

• Boosts Atmanirbhar Bharat: Reinforces India’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing.
• Enhances Combat Capability: Offers superior long-range, rapid-firing artillery support.
• Reduces Import Dependency: Minimizes reliance on foreign artillery systems.
• Supports Mobile Warfare: Enables “shoot and scoot” tactics, especially in its Mounted Gun System (MGS) variant.