Independence Day 2022: PM Modi Is 'Proud' Of DRDO's Howitzer Gun Used For 21-Gun Salute. Know More About It

Independence Day 2022: The ATAGS prototype has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Union Government's 'Make in India' initiative. 

On the occasion of India's 76th Independence Day, a home-grown howitzer gun was used for the first time as part of the 21-gun salute at Red Fort. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said he is "proud" of the indigeneously developed howitzer gun.  ( Image Source :PTI )

Independence Day 2022: On the occasion of India's 76th Independence Day, a home-grown howitzer gun was used for the first time as part of the 21-gun salute at Red Fort. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, said he is "proud" of the indigeneously developed howitzer gun. 

The 'Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System' (ATAGS) prototype has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Union Government's 'Make in India' initiative. 

The entirely made-in-India gun gave the 21-Gun salute along with the 25 Pounder British guns which have been traditionally fired till now. The ATAGS prototype has been developed by a team of scientists at DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).

The DRDO began the ATAGS project in 2013 to replace older guns in service in the Indian Army with a modern 155-millimetre artillery gun.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets across different regions of the nation have been invited to attend the main event at Red Fort. 

The DRDO installed an anti-drone system near the Red Fort on the eve of India's 76th Independence Day to counter any threat from sub-conventional aerial platforms and manned or unmanned flying objects, including drones. According to an IANS report, a DRDO official said the anti-drone system has the capacity to detect and deactivate multiple drones at the same time within a radius of around four kilometres. A jammer has been installed just next to the anti-drone system.

The Prime Minister said the country recently experienced the re-emergence of a 'collective consciousness'. For the last three days, all the people in the nation united as part of the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, he said.

"When we attained freedom there were many sceptics who doubted our development trajectory. But, they did not know that there is something different about the people of this land. They did not know that this soil is special," Modi said, addressing the nation. 

"India is an aspirational society and such a society is an asset. The people of India want positive changes and they want it at a quick pace. They also want to contribute towards it," Modi said.

Modi also talked about how people lit lamps to pay tribute to healthcare workers at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister also lauded the development of indigenous Covid-19 vaccines in India. 

Modi emphasised on the importance of "Women Empowerment" and said India's aspirations will be fulfilled at a faster rate with increased participation of women in activities necessary for the upliftment of the nation.