India's record defence deal: 300 ATAGS howitzers to replace Soviet-era guns
India has signed the largest defence contract in its history, ordering over 300 ATAGS howitzers for its army. These designs, with the NATO-calibre 155 mm, will enable the phasing out of outdated Soviet-era solutions acquired from their long-time Russian ally.
India has signed the largest defence contract in its history, ordering over 300 locally-produced 155 mm calibre ATAGS howitzers for its army. According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, the contract with two domestic companies for the supply of 307 ATAGS artillery systems and 327 6x6 drive tractors amounts to approximately $805 (€744) million.
The suppliers will be Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited in a 60/40 ratio, with the former delivering 184 howitzers for $483 (€446) million and the latter providing the remaining 123 units.
This agreement is crucial for India's defence industry as it will modernise approximately ten artillery regiments, replacing outdated artillery systems of smaller calibre. It likely refers to old Soviet 130 mm M-46 guns, which are still in service.
The Indian path
Indians desired a locally-produced artillery system based on the prospective NATO 155 mm calibre. India chose a towed howitzer with the ability to move independently, as seen in models like the FH-70.
The ATAGS (Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) howitzers were developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation in 2019 in collaboration with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited. India claims that over 65 per cent of the components are sourced domestically, including critical elements such as the barrel, breach, and muzzle brakes.
Mobile towed howitzer with long range
The ATAGS howitzers are 20-tonne 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 helps in changing positions compared to traditional solutions.
The 155 mm gun used, with a length of 52 calibres, allows for firing at a range of up to 45 km for shells with a base bleed or even 60 km for shells with a rocket booster. Additionally, every new ATAGS system has a communication and data transmission system to communicate with the battalion staff.
