Indian Army is pushing for a purchase of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Guns Systems (ATAGS) in a major acquisition proposal to the Ministry of Defence. The proposal is expected to be cleared soon by the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The ATAGS, indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is being ordered for the first time by the Indian Army. Reportedly, the proposal forwarded by the Army for 307 ATAGS is worth around $1 Billion.
The howitzers developed by the DRDO are part of the artillery modernisation programme of the Indian Army. As per reports, the ATAGS is considered to be the best howitzer in its class.
What are ATAGS?
The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) are 155 mm x 52 calibre howitzers designed and developed in mission mode by Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune of DRDO.
The ATAGS Armament System consists primarily of a barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake, and recoil mechanism that allows the Indian Army to fire 155 mm calibre ammunition with greater range, accuracy, and precision.
What makes the ATAGS special?
ATAGS is equipped with an all-electric drive system to ensure trouble-free and long-term operation. Having a 50-kilometre firing range, the system boasts of advanced features such as high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system, and night firing capability in direct fire mode. Owing to the provision of up-gunning and extended-range ammunition usage, the ATAGS gun has a high chamber volume of 25 litres.
Also fit for High Altitude
Proving its functionality in high-altitude regions, the ATAGS also completed the trials in Sikkim at an altitude of more than 13,000 feet. The system fired and completed more than 500 km in a high-altitude terrain of up to 15,400 feet.
The development of ATAGS has been done by firms like Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. and Bharat Forge Ltd. along with other industry players.
The timely development of ATAGS displays the capabilities of India’s defence sector. The development of such cutting-edge defence equipment, indigenously, is also a testimony to India’s strong resolve to strengthen national security.
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