Indian Army to Field First Regiment of Indigenous ATAGS Artillery Guns by February 2027

India's drive toward military modernization has received a significant boost with the announcement that the Indian Army's first regiment of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) will be fully operational by February 2027. The powerful, long-range 155mm/52 calibre artillery guns are set to replace older, vintage artillery pieces as part of a broader effort to enhance India’s firepower and achieve self-reliance in defense technology.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the delivery of 307 ATAGS units, jointly produced by Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, will take place over a period of five years. The landmark procurement deal, valued at ₹6,900 crore, was signed on March 26, 2024, and includes gun-towing high mobility vehicles as part of the complete artillery package.

ATAGS has been developed indigenously under the leadership of DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune. The project began in 2012, and in just 12 years, it has transitioned from concept and design to full-scale manufacturing and induction—a timeline the Ministry has called an "exemplary mission mode success".

These advanced artillery guns come with a maximum firing range of 48 km, a significant leap compared to the older Bofors guns, and are equipped with an all-electric drive system for gun laying and ammunition handling. This not only ensures more accurate targeting and faster deployment, but also reduces maintenance needs, making it ideal for harsh terrains including mountains and deserts.

The ATAGS guns also boast quick mobility, automated controls, and day-night firing capabilities, making them a formidable asset for battlefield dominance. In addition to improved performance, the system represents a major success for the Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives by bringing together the Indian Army, DRDO, and domestic private sector defense companies.

Director of ARDE, A. Raju, highlighted the critical role that ATAGS plays in India’s self-reliance journey. “We started this project in 2012. And, within a span of 12 years, we could complete the total process of design to manufacturing, testing and induction,” he said in a video released by the ministry.

As the first regiment readies for deployment by 2027, India moves one step closer to reducing dependence on foreign artillery systems, ensuring that future conflicts are fought with state-of-the-art equipment made entirely on Indian soil. This development not only strengthens the Army’s firepower but also reinforces India's strategic autonomy in defense production.