The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the purchase of Rs 7000 crore for the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) for the Indian Army. This decision is a big step towards strengthening indigenous construction of cannons developed in India.
Atags are the first fully indigenously designed, developed and built 155 mm artillery gun system. Its purchase will increase the operational capability of the Indian Army. This cannon has a long barrel of 52-caliber, which will be able to penetrate the target up to 45 kilometers. CCS approved this proposal. The Ministry of Defense gave in -principle approval about two years ago.
A total of 307 cannons and 327 gun-bearing vehicles will be purchased under this deal. They will be deployed on the Western Border (Pakistan) and the Northern Border (China), which will give the Indian Army a strategic edge and will increase its operational ready -to -firepower. This cannon with large caliber will be able to attack the enemy with more explosive power. Also, it has modern capabilities like automated deployment and target engagement.
‘Make in India’ will get a boost
ATAGS has been developed in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the Indian Private Defense Industry. More than 65% of its components are manufactured in India, including barrels, muzzles brake, back brech mechanisms, firing and recourse system and ammunition system.
Atags will replace old cannons
The deployment of ATAGS will modernize the artillery system of the Indian Army and replace the old 105 mm and 130 mm cannons. The indigenous construction of this cannon will also ensure a strong supply chain in India and life -related maintenance. This will further strengthen India’s self -reliance in the defense sector. Major technology of ATAGS such as navigation systems, music velocity radars and sensors have been fully developed in India, which will reduce foreign technology and dependence on imports.