India is preparing to field test its indigenous mobile artillery system, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a powerful weapon designed for seamless performance across a range of extreme environments - from the scorching deserts of Rajasthan to the frozen terrain of Siachen.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the artillery gun promises enhanced firepower, automation, and all-terrain adaptability.
The project to design the 155 mm x 52 calibre system was initiated in 2012 by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), with a focus on meeting future battlefield requirements.
A Raju, Director of ARDE, highlighted that the ATAGS is crafted for excellence in multiple operational domains, including firing range, precision, and consistency. It is also designed to function effectively in all weather conditions and terrains.
Key to its integration within the Army’s ecosystem, ATAGS is compatible with the existing ammunition inventory and can be linked to the Indian Army’s Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS). The ACCCS is a tactical tool that enhances the automation of trajectory computations and secure communications.
Structurally, the artillery gun is divided into two core components - the upper carriage and the undercarriage. The upper carriage includes crucial elements such as the gun barrel, recoil system, and ammunition handling modules. Meanwhile, the undercarriage holds the supporting automotive and auxiliary systems.
One of the standout features of the ATAGS is its all-electric drive, engineered to reduce maintenance and increase reliability during field operations. This system automates several key functions such as gun laying, shell loading, and deployment, significantly boosting the firing rate.
To enhance mobility, the gun is equipped with a self-propulsion system powered by an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which includes hydraulic transmission and other mechanisms that support gun automation and field maneuverability.
For targeting, ATAGS supports both direct and indirect fire modes. In direct fire mode, an optronic sight system allows accurate engagement of targets up to 1.5 km away. This system combines a day camera, thermal imaging, and a laser range finder with a detection range of up to 10 km.
DRDO also validated the robustness of the gun's recoil system with a minimum of 100 continuous recoil and recovery cycles under dynamic test conditions, ensuring the weapon’s operational stability.
On the battlefield, ATAGS can deliver 10 high-explosive shells within just 2.5 minutes or fire five rounds in just 60 seconds in burst mode. Depending on the ammunition used, the gun can strike targets up to 48 km away.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has already approved the procurement of 307 ATAGS units for the Indian Army. The artillery gun made its first public appearance during the Republic Day parade in 2017, marking a significant milestone in India's self-reliance journey in defense manufacturing.