These artillery systems are being developed under the leadership of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with support from Indian industry and academic institutions. Both guns are 155mm/52 calibre systems and are seen as critical steps in the modernisation of India’s artillery regiments.

ATAGS: India’s Most Advanced Towed Gun System

The ATAGS is a long-range towed artillery system developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune. According to Project Director R.P. Pandey, the gun has been successfully tested up to a range of 48 kilometres and can be deployed in just 90 seconds. It features a wide arc of fire, allowing it to target enemy positions with high precision and destructive capability.

The Ministry of Defence recently signed a ₹6,900 crore deal to procure 307 ATAGS and 327 gun towing vehicles. Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited will manufacture the systems. These guns will replace the Army’s older and smaller calibre artillery, enhancing its range, accuracy and overall combat readiness.

Describing the ATAGS as a "lethal and precise" system, the Ministry stated that its induction will greatly strengthen the Army’s ability to strike deep inside enemy territory and support forces in various operational scenarios.

Mounted Gun System: High Mobility and Quick Firepower

In parallel, DRDO’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar has developed the first Mounted Gun System (MGS), based on the ATAGS. This new artillery system is mounted on an 8x8 wheeled vehicle, giving it excellent mobility across deserts, mountains and cross-country terrain.

Designed with advanced stabilisers, armoured cabins, ammunition cranes and onboard electronic systems, the MGS brings vital “shoot and scoot” capability — allowing it to fire and move quickly to avoid enemy detection and counter-fire. The gun can be deployed in 80 seconds, slightly faster than the ATAGS.

According to Bharat Kushwaha, design lead of the MGS project, this high-mobility system fills a critical technology gap in the Army's artillery structure. VRDE Director G. Ramamohana Rao added that while the Army initially needs 300 MGS units, the demand could increase to 700 in the future.

Both systems are over 80% indigenous, with only a few imported parts like radar and alignment systems. DRDO is now working to localise these remaining components and is also developing advanced ammunition, such as ramjet-powered shells and precision-guided munitions, to further extend range and effectiveness.

The induction of ATAGS and MGS marks a major milestone in India's journey towards an agile, modern, and fully indigenous artillery force. ATAGS and MGS Systems Boost Firepower, Mobility, and Modernisation Drive