The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has finalized agreements 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 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles. The total value of these contracts is approximately Rs 6,900 crore. The agreements were signed in New Delhi on March 26, 2025, with Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh present at the event.
These contracts bring the total capital procurement agreements signed by the MoD in the 2024-25 financial year to Rs 1.40 lakh crore. During the ceremony, the Project Director for ATAGS from DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune, who played a vital role in the development of the project, was honored by the Defence Secretary for his significant contributions.
The 155mm/52 Calibre ATAGS will replace older, smaller-calibre artillery guns and significantly upgrade the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities. This advanced system is a key step in modernizing the Army’s artillery regiments, enhancing their firepower and operational efficiency with its precision and long-range strike capabilities.
As the first major procurement of towed artillery guns from the private sector, this project marks a significant milestone for India’s defense manufacturing industry. It will not only strengthen the country’s indigenous defense ecosystem but also support the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, contributing to employment and economic growth in line with the Make-in-India campaign.
Bharat Forge Limited is a global leader in forging technology, with a strong presence in the automotive, aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. Established in 1961 and headquartered in Pune, India, the company has earned a reputation for its high-quality precision-engineered products. Bharat Forge is known for its expertise in manufacturing a wide range of critical components, including engine components, chassis, and driveline parts, using advanced technologies. The company has expanded its footprint globally, with manufacturing plants in India, the U.S., Germany, and several other countries, and serves numerous leading companies across industries. Bharat Forge’s commitment to innovation and technology-driven solutions has also led to significant contributions in defense manufacturing, particularly with projects like the 155mm/52 Calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which highlights its capabilities in high-performance defense equipment.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a part of the Tata Group, is a prominent player in the defense and aerospace sectors in India. With its headquarters in Hyderabad, TASL specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced systems and solutions for the defense, aerospace, and homeland security sectors. Established in 2007, the company has rapidly expanded its capabilities in areas such as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), advanced engineering, and defense mobility solutions. TASL is involved in strategic collaborations with global defense and aerospace giants, bringing cutting-edge technology and innovation to India’s defense ecosystem. Its work on High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles, as part of the recent contracts with the Ministry of Defence, underscores its leadership in defense mobility solutions and its contributions to India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
