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In a remarkable development for the defense sector in the country, the Cabinet Committee on Security led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the procurement of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) which costs almost Rs 7000 crore. This approval marks India's move towards achieving a self-sustaining artillery gun manufacturing industry.
ATAGS, an artillery gun of 155 mm caliber, is the first one which is designed, developed and manufactured in India. It will uses cutting edge technology and superior fire power to enhance the operational capabilities of Indian Armed Forces.
The ATAGS is an Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System with a 52 caliber long barrel which enables firing ranges as far as 40 kilometers. The system has a larger caliber which ensures higher lethality and delivers greater explosive payloads while automating the processes of system deployment, target engagement, and lowering the work burden on personnel. This approval marks a tremendous stride towards India's achievement in self defense manufacturing and modernization prowess.
Major Level Indigenisation by Industries in Private Sector
In the ‘Make in India’ program, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) has been taken up by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which is working with the Indian private industry. Over 65% of its components are manufactured in the country, which also include major parts like the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil and ammunition handling subsystem. This indigenization does not only boost the Indian defence industry but also helps to avert reliance on foreign imports.
Strategic and Operational Benefits
The Autoloading Towed howitzer Gun System (ATAGS) will help to increase the operational effectiveness of the Indian Army by augmenting the currently used aging 105 mm and 130 mm guns with more modern artillery pieces. The western and Northern borders of the country will also be provided with a significant advantage as far as operational readiness and sustained firepower is concerned. ATAGS being fully indigenous will be well supported with a strong spares support and lifecycle maintenance. The assured support for the best developed system establishes the county’s self sufficiency in defence confirm the systems developed by India.
Lowered Foreign Reliance
ATAGS has many benefits and one of its top benefits is the low dependency on international parts. The Navigation System, Muzzle Velocity Radar, and sensors are all indigenously designed and procured. This lowers the foreign imports and technology India has to rely on. The projected production and approval of ATAGS will create immense job opportunities due to 20 lakh man-days being estimated in several sectors. Furthermore, this is expected to strengthen India's foothold in the international arms market and is the first step towards indigenous defence exports.
