Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 26: In a significant move to enhance the Indian Army’s operational firepower, the central government on Wednesday signed contracts 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 6x6 Gun Towing Vehicles. The total cost of these acquisitions is approximately ?6,900 crore.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) formalized the agreements in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. This deal is part of the broader modernization efforts, with the MoD having signed capital procurement contracts worth ?1.40 lakh crore in the current fiscal year alone.
The newly acquired 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS will replace older, smaller-calibre artillery guns currently in service, significantly improving the Army’s artillery capabilities. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the importance of this acquisition, stating that these advanced gun systems will strengthen the Artillery Regiments and ensure greater operational readiness.
"Renowned for their exceptional lethality, ATAGS will play a crucial role in bolstering the Army's firepower, allowing for precise and long-range strikes," the ministry stated. This marks a major milestone, as it is the first large-scale procurement of towed artillery guns from the private sector. The project is expected to give a significant boost to India’s domestic gun manufacturing industry and strengthen the indigenous defence ecosystem.
The deal follows last week’s approval by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, for eight procurement proposals worth over ?54,000 crore. These include the acquisition of upgraded 1,350 HP engines for the Army’s T-90 tanks, anti-submarine Varunastra torpedoes for the Navy, and Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Aircraft Systems for the Air Force.
The Defence Ministry's recent procurements underscore India’s commitment to strengthening its armed forces with advanced indigenous weaponry, reinforcing its self-reliance in defence manufacturing.