India has taken a massive leap in its artillery capabilities with the induction of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This is not just a weapon—this is the future of India’s defense doctrine. Designed for speed, precision, and impact, ATAGS is a game-changing artillery system that promises to redefine battlefield strategies. With a firing range of over 45 kilometers and a preparation time of just 90 seconds, it represents the cutting edge of indigenous military technology.

Developed jointly by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Forge, and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a 155mm x 52 caliber heavy artillery gun. It has already proven its mettle in trials by firing at a range of up to 48 kilometers. Designed for high mobility and fast deployment, ATAGS is India’s response to modern warfare requirements.

According to the DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, the ATAGS is not just a long-range weapon—it has a wide arc of fire, making it even deadlier. The design is optimized for “shoot and scoot” tactics, crucial in modern battlefields where counter-battery fire is a real threat. After each shot, the enemy can potentially trace the source of the firing, which makes it vital for the system to quickly fire and relocate. ATAGS has been specifically designed to meet this requirement.

Its high acceleration and quick deployment capabilities make it ideal for real-time battlefield use. In March 2025, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed a landmark deal worth ₹69,100 crore for the procurement of 307 ATAGS units, along with 327 high mobility 6x6 towing vehicles.

This acquisition is a major step in India’s Make in India defense initiative. Over 80% of ATAGS components are domestically developed. The limited foreign-sourced components include the on-gun alignment system, muzzle velocity radar, and a few specialized batteries. DRDO is already working to indigenize these remaining parts as well.

In addition to ATAGS, DRDO's Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar has developed the Mounted Gun System (MGS), based on the same 155mm x 52 caliber artillery. This system is mounted on an 8x8 cross-country vehicle and brings even greater mobility to India’s artillery arsenal. The MGS is capable of firing and then moving out of position rapidly. Its firing preparation time is just 80 seconds.

According to Bharat Kushwaha, the project leader, India needed a highly mobile artillery platform, and the MGS has fulfilled this critical requirement.

The first regiment of ATAGS, consisting of 18 guns, is now being inducted into the Indian Army and will be fully operational within the next year. VRDE Director G. Ramamohan Rao has stated that the Army initially requires around 300 Mounted Gun Systems, with the total demand potentially going up to 700 units. Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems will manufacture these units, which are set to replace older artillery platforms like Bofors and smaller caliber guns currently in service.

DRDO is also developing advanced shells using ramjet technology. These future-ready shells will use inertial guidance systems to strike targets with pinpoint accuracy and eliminate enemy positions in minutes.

India is now showcasing to the world that its defense manufacturing capabilities are not only competitive but pioneering. ATAGS and the Mounted Gun System are more than just weapons—they symbolize India’s technological edge and commitment to self-reliance in defense.

This is not just a new artillery system. It is India’s new artillery policy. A policy that is fast, powerful, and indigenously driven. The induction of ATAGS and MGS into the armed forces marks the beginning of a new era in Indian military firepower—designed, developed, and delivered by India, for India.