India signs largest defense deal and orders 300 ATAGS howitzers to modernize its artillery

English Posted on  —by Nicolle

India signs largest defense deal and orders 300 ATAGS howitzers to modernize artilleryIndia signs largest defense deal and orders 300 ATAGS howitzers to modernize artillery (X @defencealerts)

India has signed its largest national defense contract, ordering 307 units of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) 155mm and 327 6×6 tractors for the Army.

The $805 million deal was signed with the Indian companies Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, responsible for the joint supply of the weapons, with 184 howitzers from Bharat Forge and 123 from Tata. This contract will modernize several artillery regiments by replacing outdated equipment, such as the Soviet M-46 130mm guns.

More than 65% of the ATAGS components will be produced domestically, including essential parts like barrels, muzzle brakes, and recoil mechanisms. Developed in 2019 by the DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata, the ATAGS is a self-propelled howitzer with a 52-caliber barrel. Weighing about 18 tons, it features a compact engine that ensures mobility up to 12 km/h and is equipped with a modern fire control system, including GPS targeting and integration with higher artillery command.

The ATAGS has a firing range of up to 45 km with explosive ammunition and can exceed 60 km with rocket-assisted projectiles. This investment strengthens India’s defense industry and increases the country’s independence in producing advanced military equipment.

Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @defencealerts | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team

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