Advanced towed artillery gun system explained

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)^[9] is a towed 155 mm/52 calibre howitzer that is being developed for the Indian Army by Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL).^[10]

Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems are the development and manufacturing partners for the project.^[9]

Development

The ATAGS project was started in 2013 by DRDO to replace older guns in service in the Indian Army with a modern 155mm artillery gun.^[11] DRDO laboratory Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) partnered with private players Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power SED and public sector unit Advanced Weapons and Equipment India for this purpose.^[12]

With ARDE as the nodal laboratory, development is being assisted by Instruments Research and Development Establishment (IRDE), Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE), Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), and Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL).^[13] It was part of the Development cum Production Partner programme (DCPP) of DRDO.^[14]

The development of the gun took about 4 years and is expected to be complete by March 2017. The delay in completion of the project was attributed to realization of ordnance and recoil system and supply issue with manufacturing of sub-systems. The gun is expected to start user trials in 2017 and production is expected to start in 2019.^{[15] [16] [17] [18]}

It was first publicly showcased at 68th Republic Day parade on 26 January 2017. Both the prototypes of TASL and KSSL was part of the parade.^{[19] [20]} For the first time, an indigenously developed howitzer gun, the ATAGS was included in the 21-gun salute alongside the British origin 25-pounder as part of the 76th Independence day celebrations. Two howitzer were included in the battery that fired the 21 gun salute.^[21] ATAGS is being fast-tracked by Indian Army for induction as of 27 September 2022.^[22]

Design

The gun consists of a barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunition with a firing range of 48 km. It has an all-electric drive to ensure reliability and minimum maintenance over a long period of time. It has advanced features like high mobility, quick deployment, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system with night capability in direct-fire mode. The gun has a six round magazine instead of a standard three round magazine. The gun is two tons lighter than guns in the same category and is designed to provide better accuracy and range and is capable of firing five successive rounds in short duration.

It is compatible with C3I systems like Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management, operational logistics management of the Indian Army.^{[23] [24]}

The gun is towed by Ashok Leyland FAT 6×6 truck and can change over from towing mode to firing mode within 2 minutes.^[25]

Ammunition

Smart Artillery Shell

Trials

The ATAGS has undergone several trials since 2016.

• On 14 July 2016, DRDO conducted the proof firing of armament for the 155/52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun system. The test was successful. The prototypes P1 and P2 of KSSL and TASL was tested in Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), Balasore. The two prototypes were followed by P3 and P4 after clearance.^{[26] [27] [28]}
• On 14 December 2016, a fully integrated, 155-millimeter artillery gun fired its first rounds of live ammunition at the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Balasore, Odisha.^[29]
• From 24 August to 7 September 2017, ATAGS underwent summer/desert trials in Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR).^[30] During the trials, it broke the then world record for 155 mm/52 calibre gun by firing the round to a distance of 47.2 kilometres. It again registered a maximum distance of 48.074 kilometres with high explosive–base bleed (HE–BB) ammunition, surpassing the maximum ranges fired by any artillery gun system in this category.
• In March 2018, ATAGS successfully completed winter trials in Sikkim at an altitude of and a temperature of −20°C. The mobility of the gun was favourable at the high altitudes. The manufacturing of first lot of 40 guns was to start soon. At heights of more than, ATAGS participated in extended firing exercises with only the backup battery.
• The gun underwent user trials in September 2020 in Pokhran and suffered a major setback with a barrel burst injuring four personnel. Investigations are on to ascertain and solve the problem^{[31] [32]} During the 2020 trial, the KSSL variant ATAGS fired 130+ rounds successfully and TASL-variant ATAGS fired 99 rounds successfully. It was during the firing of the 100th round (5th round of burst firing) of the TASL gun in which the accident occurred.^[33] In November 2020, after an investigation the gun was cleared for further trials.
• In February 2021, ATAGS successfully completed another rounds of winter trials at high altitude conditions in Sikkim.^{[34] [35]}
• The ATAGS successfully completed a week-long validation trials from 26 April to 2 May 2022 in Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR), paving way for induction into Army.^{[36] [37]}
• During mid-2024, Armenia conducted several successful tests of the 6 units of ATAGS that have been delivered at various locations.^[38]

Service history

Armenian Ground Forces ordered 6 ATAGS from Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) by August 2023. The guns were manufactured in KSSL's facility in Pune.^[39] They were delivered to Armenia by the end of 2023. As of October 2024, they intend to purchase additional 84 units after successful trials at different locations.^{[40] [41]}

As of March 2023, the Indian Ministry of Defence received a proposal worth over $1 Billion from the Indian Army for the purchase of 307 ATAGS.^[42] As of September 2024, contract is to be signed by FY2025.^{[43] [44] [45]}

According to reports on 5 November 2024, the Indian Army plans to place an order for 307 units of ATAGS. The cost is expected to be around . The order will be split at a ratio of 60:40 ratio. Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL) has emerged to be the lowest bidder followed by Tata Advanced Systems (TASL). However, TASL needs to meet the price bid of KSSL to get 40% order share.^[46] As reported on 19 November 2024, Bharat Forge, the parent company of KSSL, is participating in proce negotiations with Ministry of Defence for the ATAGS contract.^[47]

ATAGS MGS

It is a truck-mounted self propelled artillery variant with ATAGS mounted on an 8×8 High Mobility Vehicle (HMV) developed by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). The overall gun weighs 30 tonnes.^[48] The first and only prototype was revealed in DefExpo 2022.^{[49] [50]}

The official technical features of the gun includes

• Has an all-up weight of 30 tonnes.
• Has a maximum range of 35 to 45 km depending on the ammunition.
• Features an elevation range of 0° to +72°.
• Each unit of MGS can carry 24 rounds of ammunition along with enough Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS).
• The system can be transitioned from drive mode to fire mode in 80 seconds and fire mode to drive mode in 85 seconds.
• It can operate in the temperature range of −4°C to +45°C.
• It has a chamber volume of 25 litres which can be later upgraded in need.
• Features an all-electric drive and also includes a manual override system.
• Includes auto gun alignment and positioning system, fire-control system (FCS), and ammunition handling system.

The MGS system has undergone mobility and performance trials along with standalone firing trials of the armoured cabin.

Users

Current users

• Armenia
  • – 6 ordered and delivered in 2023. Another 84 units planned (deal worth US$155 million).

Potential users

• India
  • – 307 planned.
• • – Offered by India.^[51]

See also

• List of equipment of the Indian Army

• Other towed artillery systems in use in different armies:

Notes and References

1. News: 26 January 2017 . India's Two Private Firms Win $4.5 Billion Contract To Develop Artillery Gun Systems . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221020115135/https://www.defensemirror.com/news/18336/India_s_Two_Private_Firms_Win__4_5_Billion_Contract_To_Develop_Artillery_Gun_Systems#.Y1E1zOTP3Vg . 20 October 2022 . 20 October 2022 . Defense Mirror.
2. News: 27 May 2019 . Trials of advanced artillery gun begin in Pokhran range . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190620051957/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jaipur/trials-of-advanced-artillery-gun-begin-in-pokhran-range/articleshow/69510412.cms . 20 June 2019 . The Times of India.
3. Book: Aero India.
4. News: Peri . Dinakar . 15 September 2017 . Indigenous artillery gun sets new record in range . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240114164504/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indigenous-artillery-gun-sets-new-record-in-range/article19693728.ece . 14 January 2024 . The Hindu.
5. Web site: Shukla . Ajai . 5 September 2017 . World-record 'gun salute' to incoming defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20171107122455/https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/world-record-gun-salute-to-incoming-defence-minister-nirmala-sitharaman-117090500024_1.html . 7 November 2017 . Business Standard.
6. News: IIT-M Brochure on Next-gen Ramjet-powered 155mm artillery shells for Indian Army .
7. Web site: Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System . TATA Advanced Systems . 26 October 2024.
8. Web site: ATAGS specifications . Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited.
9. 155 MM X 52 CAL ADVANCED TOWED ARTILLERY GUN SYSTEM (ATAGS). Technology Focus . India. 31 . 4 . Aug 2023 . 0971-4413. 19 August 2024.
10. Web site: Kajal . Kapil . 19 October 2022 . Defexpo 2022: DRDO unveils indigenous ATAGS . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221107052450/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/defexpo-2022-drdo-unveils-indigenous-atags . 7 November 2022 . 20 October 2022 . Janes.
11. News: Shukla . Ajai . 29 July 2010 . 155-mm gun contract: DRDO enters the fray . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231123180641/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/155-mm-gun-contract-drdo-enters-the-fray-110072900042_1.html . 23 November 2023 . Business Standard.
12. News: 14 July 2018 . ATAGS to be ready for user trial by early 2017: DRDO . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240105071627/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/atags-to-be-ready-for-user-trial-by-early-2017-drdo/articleshow/53214335.cms . 5 January 2024 . 13 April 2020 . The Economic Times.
13. News: Kulkarni . Sushant . Explained: What is ATAGS, the indigenous howitzer used in Independence Day 21-gun salute? . 16 August 2022 . The Indian Express . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815073019/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/what-is-atags-indigenous-howitzier-i-day-21-gun-salute-8090428/ . 15 August 2022 . Pune.
14. Web site: 6 April 2021. DRDO opens up missile production partnership for Indian private sector. live. 2021-04-06. The Times of India. https://web.archive.org/web/20210406075147/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/drdo-opens-up-missile-production-partnership-for-indian-private-sector/articleshow/81928553.cms . 6 April 2021 .
15. Web site: Singh . Danvir . 13 March 2016 . Dhanush 155mm Artillery Gun: A "Make in India" Marvel . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230925005101/http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/dhanush-155mm-artillery-gun-a-make-in-india-marvel/ . 25 September 2023 . 20 July 2016 . Indian Defence Review.
16. Web site: 14 July 2017 . DRDO Embarked Major Success in Advanced Artillery Gun System . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175823/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:147091 . 10 December 2017 . 26 January 2017 . Government of India Press Information Bureau.
17. Web site: 25 November 2016 . Projects of DRDO . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175853/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:154330 . 10 December 2017 . 26 January 2017 . Government of India Press Information Bureau.
18. News: Gady . Franz-Stefan . 15 July 2016 . India Successfully Tests New Advanced Artillery Gun System . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231211182137/https://thediplomat.com/2016/07/india-successfully-tests-new-advanced-artillery-gun-system/ . 11 December 2023 . 26 January 2017 . The Diplomat.
19. News: 25 January 2017 . Make in India: DRDO takes pride in ATAGS, to be showcased at Republic Day parade . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230429182642/https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-drdo-takes-pride-in-atags-to-be-showcased-at-republic-day-parade-2295956 . 29 April 2023 . DNA India .
20. Web site: DRDO's Advance Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) being displayed at Rajpath during the 68th Republic Day parade in New Delhi - Photogallery . 2024-08-24 . photogallery.indiatimes.com.
21. News: Vats . Anushka . Explained: ATAGS, The Made-In-India Howitzer Used For 21-Gun Salute On Independence Day 2022 . 16 August 2022 . 15 August 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220815095221/https://english.jagran.com/india/explained-atags-the-madeinindia-howitzer-used-for-21gun-salute-on-independence-day2022-10047503 . 15 August 2022.
22. News: Philip . Snehesh Alex . 27 September 2022 . China threat in mind, Army to order another 100 K9 Vajra howitzers from L&T, more to follow . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230412025125/https://theprint.in/defence/china-threat-in-mind-army-to-order-another-100-k9-vajra-howitzers-from-lt-more-to-follow/1144787/ . 12 April 2023 . 27 September 2022 . ThePrint.
23. Web site: 31 December 2016 . Year End Review – 2016 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20171210175849/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=Release%20Id%20:156049 . 10 December 2017 . 26 January 2017 . Government of India Press Information Bureau.
24. News: Dighe . Sandip . 26 January 2017 . ARDE's gun set to be on display at parade today – Times of India . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230428214443/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/ardes-gun-set-to-be-on-display-at-parade-today/articleshow/56789390.cms . 28 April 2023 . 26 January 2017 . The Times of India.
25. Web site: Miller . Stephen W. . 2022-11-02 . Indian Army ATAGS Howitzer Fielding . 2024-08-24 . Asian Military Review . en-US.
26. News: 14 July 2016 . DRDO's 155 mm x 52 calibre advanced towed artillery gun test fired successfully . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230604202419/https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/drdos-155-mm-x-52-calibre-advanced-towed-artillery-gun-test-fired-successfully/317065/ . 4 June 2023 . 15 July 2016 . Financial Express.
27. Web site: 2016-07-14 . DRDO Embarked Major Success in Advanced Artillery Gun System . 2024-08-24 . Press Information Bureau.
28. Web site: India’s Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) . 2024-08-24 . Chanakya Forum . en-US.
29. News: Ajai . Shukla . 15 December 2016 . Indian gun booms in world's biggest artillery programme . live . https://archive.today/20240117025043/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/indian-gun-booms-in-world-s-biggest-artillery-programme-116121401202_1.html . 17 January 2024 . Business Standard.
30. Web site: Banerjee . Ajay . 7 February 2018 . Army to get 40 artillery guns made by DRDO . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20230206120017/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/nation/army-to-get-40-artillery-guns-made-by-drdo-540085 . 6 February 2023 . The Tribune.
31. Web site: Krishnan M . Anantha . 16 February 2020 . Youngsters can power India into a defence technology leader . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20200217103017/https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2020/02/14/youngsters-india-defence-technology-satheessh-reddy.html . 17 February 2020 . 17 February 2020 . OnManorama.
32. News: Pubby . Manu . 26 September 2020 . indigenous artillery gun may go back to drawing board after barrel burst . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201020111150/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indigenous-artillery-gun-may-go-back-to-drawing-board/articleshow/78324260.cms . 20 October 2020 . The Economic Times.
33. News: Singh . Lt. Gen. J P . 1 October 2020 . ATAGS- A forward step towards Atamnirbharta in defence . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230428221703/https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-atags-a-forward-step-towards-atamnirbharta-in-defence-2095691/ . 28 April 2023 . 8 October 2020 . The Financial Express.
34. News: 2022-05-02 . Indigenous towed artillery guns complete firing trials, paving way for induction into Army . 2024-08-24 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
35. Web site: ATAGS User Trials Completed . 2024-08-24 . www.spslandforces.com.
36. Web site: 2022-05-03 . Trials conducted successfully for towed artillery guns ATAGS . 2024-08-24 . India Today . en.
37. News: Peri . Dinakar . 2022-05-03 . Indigenous artillery gun passes validation trials . 2024-08-24 . The Hindu . en-IN . 0971-751X.
38. Web site: 2024-10-03 . Armenia begins process to purchase 84 additional units of ATAGS artillery systems - IDRW . 2024-10-04 . ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency . en.
39. Web site: Philip . Snehesh Alex . 2022-11-14 . Artillery to rocket launchers — Armenia turns to India to beef up defence against Azerbaijan . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221124031445/https://theprint.in/defence/artillery-to-rocket-launchers-armenia-turns-to-india-to-beef-up-defence-against-azerbaijan/1215570/ . 2022-11-24 . 2024-10-04 . ThePrint . en-US.
40. News: Nazaretyan . Hovhannes . April 12, 2024 . Untangling Armenia’s Indian Arms Procurement . EVN Report.
41. Web site: office_zzam . 2024-03-07 . Armenia to purchase 90 Indian 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Syste . 2024-10-04 . www.armyrecognition.com . en-gb.
42. Web site: 2023-03-02 . Indian Army to buy 307 ATAGS howitzers for deployment along China, Pak border . 2024-03-28 . Deccan Chronicle.
43. Web site: 2024-09-27 . Amid military standoff with China, Indian Army gets new high-altitude firing range in Arunachal's Tawang sector . 2024-09-30 . ANI.
44. Web site: 2024-09-27 . Local 155mm ammunition, broader production vendor base: Army counters supply issues amid Russia-Ukraine war . 2024-09-27 . The Indian Express . en.
45. Web site: Ray . Kalyan . New howitzers, firing ranges near the LAC for Army amidst China boundary dispute . 2024-09-27 . Deccan Herald . en.
46. News: Pubby . Manu . 2024-11-05 . Bharat Forge, Tata likely to get DRDO-made towed guns deal . 2024-11-05 . The Economic Times . 0013-0389.
47. Web site: Philip . Snehesh Alex . 2024-11-19 . Bharat Forge & defence ministry start contract negotiations for ATAGS. The journey so far . 2024-11-19 . ThePrint . en-US.
48. Web site: Shukla . Ajai . 19 October 2022 . MGS, Light Tank, WhaP: DRDO presents 3 'Make in India' successes at DefExpo . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221019160919/https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/mgs-light-tank-whap-drdo-presents-3-make-in-india-successes-at-defexpo-122101901283_1.html . 19 October 2022 . 1 March 2023 . Business Standard India.
49. Web site: Indigenously made truck-mounted heavy artillery gun will meet long pending requirement . 2024-08-24 . en-US.
50. Web site: Kajal . Kapil . 1 December 2022 . DRDO tests mounted gun system . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230402115225/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/drdo-tests-mounted-gun-system . 2 April 2023 . 1 March 2023 . Janes.
51. Web site: Orpiano . Pitz . Philippine Army's Interest in Getting Indian ATAGS 155mm Towed Howitzer . live . https://archive.today/20241105105112/https://www.pitzdefanalysis.net/2024/04/philippine-armys-interest-in-getting.html . 2024-11-05 . 2024-04-21 . pitzdefanalysis.net.