Bharat Forge, based in Pune, has secured the role of the lowest bidder for the Indian Army’s ₹6,000 crore contract to manufacture 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) howitzers domestically. Under the agreement, Bharat Forge will handle 60% of the production, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the second-lowest bidder, will produce the remaining 40%, according to senior defense sources.
Both Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems will collaborate with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to manufacture the ATAGS howitzers, which are designed to fire shells on medium to high trajectories, bridging the functionality of cannons and mortars. Following bid evaluation, the Army’s order for 307 howitzers will await Cabinet Committee on Security clearance.
The ATAGS howitzers, which have undergone rigorous trials at varying altitudes and terrain, will be stationed along India’s borders with China and Pakistan. Based on user feedback, enhancements have been made to the design. DRDO has provided technical expertise for the howitzer to Bharat Forge and Tata, who will also supply over 320 high-mobility vehicles as part of the package. The 155mm/52-calibre howitzers were trial-tested at the Pokhran Field Firing Range.
Bharat Forge, a flagship company of the Kalyani Group, is one of India’s largest and most advanced engineering and manufacturing firms, known globally for its expertise in metal forging. Headquartered in Pune, Bharat Forge is a leading player in sectors such as automotive, power, oil and gas, rail, marine, aerospace, and defense.
Over the years, the company has expanded its footprint internationally, establishing production and R&D facilities in countries like Germany, Sweden, and the U.S. Its cutting-edge manufacturing processes, strong focus on innovation, and emphasis on research and development have positioned Bharat Forge as a trusted partner for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and governments around the world.
Bharat Forge’s capabilities in the defense sector have grown significantly, with the company undertaking major projects for advanced artillery and armored vehicles, including the development of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) in partnership with the DRDO. As it continues to drive Make in India initiatives, Bharat Forge is enhancing India’s self-reliance in critical sectors and is at the forefront of the nation’s industrial growth.
