India's historic $805 million (CAD 1.2 billion) artillery upgrade revolution
India has signed the largest defence contract in its history, ordering over 300 ATAGS howitzers for its army. These designs, featuring the NATO-standard 155 mm calibre, will allow the country to phase out outdated Soviet-era equipment acquired from its long-time Russian ally.
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the contract entails the production of over 300 domestically-produced 155 mm calibre ATAGS howitzers for the army. The agreement with two domestic companies for the delivery of 307 ATAGS artillery systems and 327 6x6 drive tractors amounts to approximately $805 (CAD $1.1 billion).
The suppliers will be Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited in a 60/40 ratio, with Bharat Forge delivering 184 howitzers for CAD $483 (CAD 690) million, and Tata Advanced Systems providing the remaining 123 units.
This agreement is crucial for India's defence industry as it will modernize about ten artillery regiments, replacing outdated artillery systems of smaller calibre. It's likely aimed at replacing old Soviet 130 mm M-46 guns that are still in service.
The Indian path
Indians desired a locally-produced artillery system based on the prospective NATO 155 mm calibre. India, on the other hand, opted for a towed howitzer with independent movement capability, similar to the FH-70, for example.
The ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) howitzers were developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation in 2019 in partnership with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. Indians report that over 65 percent of the components are sourced domestically, including critical elements such as the barrel, breech, and muzzle brakes.
Mobile towed howitzer with long range
The ATAGS howitzers are 9,072 kg designs based on a four-wheeled carriage equipped with a small internal combustion engine driving hydraulics, allowing movement at speeds up to 11 km/h if needed. This makes repositioning easier compared to traditional solutions.
The 155 mm gun, with a barrel length of 52 calibres, can fire at a range of up to 45 km for shells with base bleed, or even 60 km for shells with a rocket booster. Additionally, each new ATAGS system comes with a communications and data transmission system to communicate with battalion staff.
