Armenian Army Completes Successful Trials of Indian ATAGS Howitzers, Paving the Way for Major Deal

The Armenian Army has successfully completed trials of the Indian-made Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), marking a significant milestone in defense cooperation between the two nations. Armenia, which first purchased these systems in 2023, tested a batch of six 155mm ATAGS across various regions of the country, adapting them to local terrain and operational conditions. The trials were critical, as they not only evaluated the gun's technical capabilities but also confirmed its adaptability to the specific needs of the Armenian military.

The ATAGS tested in Armenia were modified to accommodate the Armenian Army's unique requirements, including programming the trajectory computational model in the Armenian language. The extensive testing phase aimed to ensure that these guns, initially tested in India, could operate effectively under Armenia's varied environmental conditions. The trials reportedly went well, setting the stage for a larger arms deal.

A Larger Deal on the Horizon

Armenia is now expected to place a much larger order for an additional 84 ATAGS units, valued at approximately $155 million. This comes after the country confirmed its interest in expanding its artillery capabilities to bolster its defenses against Azerbaijan. The ATAGS howitzer is part of a broader effort by Armenia to diversify and upgrade its military hardware, with several purchases from India including the Akash air defense system, Swathi counter-battery radars, and Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers.

Specifications of the ATAGS

The ATAGS is a 155mm/52-caliber towed artillery system that was developed in India by a collaboration between the Armament Research and Development Establishment, Tata Advanced Systems, and Kalyani Strategic Systems. It represents a significant leap forward in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and was primarily designed to meet the needs of the Indian Army.

The gun is known for its impressive specifications:

• Range: The ATAGS has a maximum firing range of 48 kilometers (about 30 miles), which gives it a substantial advantage in long-range engagements.

• Rate of Fire: In burst mode, the howitzer can fire up to 5 rounds per minute. In intense mode, it can fire 10 rounds in 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Its sustained fire rate is 60 rounds per hour, making it highly effective in prolonged engagements.

• Weight and Mobility: Despite its 18-ton weight, the gun is designed for mobility, allowing it to be towed across rugged terrain by specialized vehicles. A crew of six operates the system, making it an efficient asset in terms of manpower.

The development of the ATAGS began in 2013, and after several trials, including its first test in 2016, the system was officially cleared for induction into the Indian Army in 2022. Its advanced fire control system, precision, and ability to operate in harsh environments make it a top-tier artillery system, and these qualities were put to the test during the trials in Armenia.

Armenia's Growing Defense Partnership with India

This deal is just one aspect of Armenia’s growing defense relationship with India. Beyond the ATAGS artillery system, Armenia has also turned to India for assistance with other critical military assets. Reports indicate that Armenia is exploring options to upgrade its fleet of Su-30 fighter jets and may also be looking to acquire advanced missile systems from India. This expanding partnership highlights Armenia's efforts to modernize its military, relying on India's growing defense production capabilities as a key supplier.

The trials of the ATAGS in Armenia signal the beginning of what could be a long-term collaboration in defense technology between the two countries. With successful tests and a larger order on the way, the ATAGS howitzer is set to play a pivotal role in Armenia’s defense strategy moving forward.