India Seals ₹6,900 Crore Deal with Bharat Forge & TATA for 307 ATAGS Artillery Guns

On March 26, 2025, India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) finalized a landmark agreement worth ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and TATA Advanced Systems Limited to procure 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) along with 327 high-mobility 6×6 gun towing vehicles. This contract marks a major step in strengthening the Indian Army's artillery capabilities with homegrown solutions.

A Leap in India’s Artillery Strength

The deal is a game-changer for India's defence industry, as it represents the first large-scale induction of towed artillery systems from private Indian firms. Bharat Forge secured an order for 184 ATAGS units, while TATA Advanced Systems will supply 123. This marks a departure from traditional reliance on foreign-made artillery, reinforcing the government’s push towards self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with both firms, ATAGS is a 155mm/52 calibre gun system designed to replace the Army’s ageing artillery. With an impressive strike range exceeding 48 kilometers, it incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including advanced fire control systems, automated loading mechanisms, and improved recoil management.

Indigenous Push & Economic Impact

Over 65% of ATAGS components are domestically sourced, reducing dependence on imports. Key indigenous subsystems include the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism. This focus on local production is expected to rise even further as India strengthens its defence ecosystem.

The contract is not just about bolstering military firepower but also about economic growth. It is estimated that the production of these systems will generate around 20 lakh man-days of employment, benefiting both small and large industries across the country.

Strategic Significance

The Indian Army has been actively modernizing its artillery to counter threats along the China and Pakistan borders. ATAGS, with its superior firepower and extended range, is expected to significantly enhance India’s deterrence capability in high-altitude and desert warfare scenarios. Additionally, the system’s advanced digital targeting and automation make it highly efficient in battlefield conditions.

This procurement deal is part of the MoD’s larger capital acquisitions for the year, which have now crossed ₹1.40 lakh crore. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh highlighted the critical role of DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, emphasizing the collaborative efforts that led to this breakthrough.

By choosing Bharat Forge and TATA Advanced Systems for this contract, India has reaffirmed its confidence in private defence manufacturers. The ATAGS project is not only a step toward military self-sufficiency but also a boost for India's growing reputation as a global defence manufacturer. As the country continues its journey toward reducing defence imports, this deal stands as a testament to its technological and industrial progress in the sector.