The Ministry of Defence has accepted a proposal from the Indian Army to buy 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for deployment along the borders with China and Pakistan, marking a significant step towards 'Make-in-India' in the defence sector, news agency ANI reported on Wednesday.
The Indian Army has submitted a proposal worth more than USD 1 billion, which is currently being discussed. According to the report, it is anticipated to be cleared soon and given to the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval.
This would be the first order for the indigenous howitzer, which can strike targets at distances of up to 50 kilometres and is considered to be the best gun in its class, as per the report.
The forces have been testing the gun at various elevations and terrains. "They have been upgraded based on user suggestions," the report said.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has shared raw howitzer technology and know-how with two private firms, Tata Advanced Systems and Bharat Forge group, and they will offer the system to the troops, which would include around 320 high mobility vehicles.
Between April 26 and May 2, the 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) trials were completed at the Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR).
The ATAGS is an indigenous towed artillery gun system project undertaken in mission mode by the DRDO as part of the Indian Army's artillery modernization programme, according to the statement.
In addition to other DRDO facilities, the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune is the DRDO's nodal laboratory for the design and development of ATAGS.
The development was carried out in collaboration with two industry partners, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd and Bharat Forge Ltd, as well as active engagement from other industries.
Both guns' reliability has been proven by firing many rounds in various zones, including burst, intense, and sustained modes. ANI reported that the DRDO recently stated that high precision and consistency in range and line with maximum range had been obtained.
(With Inputs From ANI)