The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, respectively.

The agreements were formalized at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking a significant step in India’s defence modernization. With this signing, the MoD’s cumulative capital procurement contracts for FY 2024-25 have now reached ₹1.40 lakh crore.

During the event, the Project Director of ATAGS from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, was honored for his instrumental role in developing the indigenous artillery system.

The procurement of ATAGS, developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), represents a major leap in the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities. Designed to replace older, lower-calibre guns, the system enhances operational readiness with superior lethality, long-range precision, and advanced firepower.

Notably, this deal marks the first large-scale procurement of towed artillery guns from the private sector, reinforcing India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. The project is expected to boost domestic defence manufacturing, generate employment, and contribute to India’s strategic self-reliance in the defence sector.