Cabinet Committee Clears Rs 7,000 Cr ATAGS Artillery Gun Deal

(MENAFN- KNN India) New Delhi, Mar 21 (KNN) The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Modi, has approved the acquisition of the indigenously manufactured Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) valued at approximately Rs 7,000 crore.

This decision represents a significant advancement in India's efforts toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing, according to official sources.

The ATAGS, which stands as the first artillery gun of 155 mm caliber to be entirely designed, developed, and manufactured within India, is poised to substantially enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces through its innovative technology and superior firepower capabilities.

Featuring an extended 52-calibre barrel, the ATAGS provides impressive firing ranges of up to 40 kilometers, positioning it as a transformative addition to India's artillery arsenal.

The system's larger caliber ensures heightened lethality by delivering greater explosive payloads while incorporating automated deployment and target engagement features that significantly reduce crew fatigue.

This approval underscores India's growing capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing and technological innovation.

The integration of ATAGS into the Indian Army will play a vital role in modernising its artillery capabilities by replacing obsolete 105 mm and 130 mm gun systems.

Strategic deployment along India's western and northern borders will provide the armed forces with a considerable tactical advantage, ensuring enhanced operational readiness and superior firepower in diverse combat scenarios.

The development of ATAGS exemplifies the success of the 'Make in India' initiative, having been created through collaborative efforts between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private industry partners within India.

More than 65 percent of the system's components are sourced domestically, including critical subsystems such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism.

This achievement not only strengthens India's defence industrial base but also reduces dependence on foreign imports.

As a completely indigenous system, ATAGS will benefit from a robust domestic supply chain for spare parts and seamless lifecycle maintenance support.

The domestically developed infrastructure ensures long-term product support, further reinforcing India's self-sufficiency in advanced defence technology.

A significant advantage of the ATAGS lies in its minimal dependence on foreign components.

Critical subsystems including the Navigation System, Muzzle Velocity Radar, and various sensors are designed and sourced indigenously, substantially reducing India's reliance on foreign technology and imported systems.

The approval and subsequent manufacturing of ATAGS is expected to generate substantial employment opportunities, with projections indicating the creation of approximately 20 lakh man-days across various industries.

Furthermore, this development is anticipated to strengthen India's position in the global defence export market, establishing a foundation for future indigenous defence exports.

(KNN Bureau)

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