Bharat Forge wins major contract for Indian Army’s ATAGS howitzers

Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited has emerged as the lowest bidder in the Indian Army’s high-stakes contract to procure 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The contract, valued at over Rs 6,000 crore, will see Bharat Forge manufacturing 60% of the 307 howitzers, while the second-lowest bidder, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, will be responsible for producing the remaining 40%.

This distribution of manufacturing rights is part of the agreement reached following the commercial bid evaluation, defense sources confirmed. This order represents a considerable boost for indigenous weapon systems and underscores India’s ongoing push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Notably, this will be the first major domestic order for the ATAGS howitzers, a product that has already garnered international interest and been exported to friendly nations such as Armenia. Manufacturers Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems are also exploring additional export opportunities in African markets and other regions.

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The ATAGS order is intended to bolster India’s artillery along critical borders with China and Pakistan. Expected to be finalized within the current financial year, the contract underscores India’s strategic focus on strengthening border defenses with advanced, locally developed artillery.

The 155mm, 52-calibre ATAGS howitzer was developed by DRDO in collaboration with private partners Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. The weapon system, part of the Army’s artillery modernization program, was designed and developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, along with other DRDO labs.

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Earlier this year, the Indian Army completed comprehensive trials of the ATAGS at the Pokhran Field Firing Range (PFFR) from April 26 to May 2, 2023. Further evaluations involved testing Tata vehicles to assess their suitability for towing the ATAGS in field conditions, a key logistical requirement for field deployment.

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