In a big defence boost, Modi Cabinet approves Rs 7,000 cr acquisition of India-made artillery guns

India’s government has approved a long-awaited deal worth around Rs 7,000 crore ($840m) for the acquisition of indigenous advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) for the army, marking a significant step in the country’s push to develop its own defence manufacturing capabilities.

The contract, cleared by the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on Wednesday (March 19), will see the army acquire 307 howitzers with a strike range of 45-48km, along with 327 gun-towing vehicles to equip 15 artillery regiments, The Times of India reported citing top sources. The agreement is expected to be finalised next week.

Timeline of indigenous ATAGS development

The 155mm/52-calibre ATAGS have been designed and developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will be produced by private defence firms Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. Bharat Forge, which emerged as the lowest bidder, will manufacture 60 per cent of the guns, while Tata will produce the remaining 40 per cent.

Here’s a timeline of the development of ATAGS so far:

• 2013: DRDO initiates a project to replace the Indian Army’s older artillery guns

• 2017: The gun makes first appearance at the annual Republic Day parade, joining in the 21-gun salute

• 2018: The system enters winter trials in Sikkim.

• 2020 (September): A barrel burst incident occurs during final trials in Pokhran. Four personnel are injured.

• 2021-2022: Retrials are conducted in Sikkim and Pokhran.

• 2023: The gun is ready for production.

• 2024: Armenia places an order for ATAGS.

Before they begin bulk production of the ATAGS,  the manufacturers must provide a prototype that meets the army’s baseline requirements within 18 months of signing the agreement.

In addition to ATAGS, Bharat Forge is also a key contender for the 155mm/52-calibre Mounted Gun System. A request for proposal (RFP) was issued to several Indian firms, including Bharat Forge, in July 2023. When asked to provide the gun system for field evaluation, Bharat Forge and other bidders sought an 18-month development period, with a commitment to deliver a prototype by December 2025.

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Meanwhile, the procurement process for the 155mm/52-calibre Towed Gun System (TGS) is also underway. An RFP was issued to Indian firms, including Bharat Forge, in July 2024, with the Indian Army set to conduct field evaluations in July 2025. To avoid delays, the army has mandated that all contenders submit their gun systems on time without requesting extensions for further development.

This order is expected to be the first of many, as the army plans to induct further advanced versions, with a total requirement of 1,580 such guns.

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A troubled history of artillery procurement

India’s efforts to modernise its artillery have been repeatedly derailed by corruption scandals in past foreign acquisitions.

The Swedish Bofors deal of the 1980s, the South African Denel controversy in 2005, and a 2009 case involving Singapore’s ST Kinetics have all left the country wary of relying on imports.

The push for indigenous production aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, which aims to reduce dependence on foreign defence suppliers and boost domestic manufacturing.

An official aware of the development told Firstpost that the army is committed to supporting domestic defence firms in developing weaponry that meets its stringent operational requirements, which span diverse terrains and climatic conditions.

“While some Indian-made guns have been exported, all manufacturers must comply with the army’s technical and performance standards before induction into active service,” they said.