The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light to the acquisition of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This significant approval, worth nearly ₹7,000 crore, marks a major milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in the defence sector, according to official sources.

A Boost to India's Defence Capabilities

The ATAGS is India's first fully indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured 155 mm artillery gun system. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and powerful firepower, this advanced system is expected to greatly enhance the Indian Armed Forces' operational capabilities.

Designed with a 52-calibre barrel, ATAGS boasts an extended firing range of up to 40 km, positioning it as a game-changer in modern warfare. The system’s superior calibre enables greater lethality, delivering a higher explosive payload with precision. Additionally, its advanced automation features improve deployment speed, facilitate efficient target engagement and significantly reduce crew fatigue.

Strengthening Artillery on Borders

The Indian Army plans to deploy ATAGS to replace its outdated 105 mm and 130 mm artillery guns. The system’s induction will modernise the Army's firepower, providing a strategic advantage along the country’s northern and western borders. Its superior range and precision will strengthen India’s operational readiness, ensuring an enhanced defence posture against potential threats.

A Testament to ‘Make in India’

The development of ATAGS is a remarkable achievement under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The system was jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private Indian defence manufacturers. Over 65% of its components, including critical parts such as the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism, are sourced domestically. This indigenous approach strengthens India’s defence industry and minimises reliance on foreign imports.

As a fully homegrown artillery system, ATAGS ensures a strong domestic supply chain for spare parts and maintenance. Its locally developed technology guarantees long-term operational support, reinforcing India's self-sufficiency in the defence sector.

Reduced Dependence on Foreign Technology

One of the key strengths of ATAGS is its minimal dependence on foreign components. Essential subsystems such as the navigation system, muzzle velocity radar, and advanced sensors are all designed and manufactured within India. This significantly reduces the country’s reliance on foreign technology while fostering innovation in domestic defence manufacturing.

Economic and Strategic Impact

The production of ATAGS is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, creating an estimated 20 lakh man-days across various industries. Furthermore, this indigenous artillery system is likely to strengthen India's position in the global defence export market. With its advanced capabilities and indigenous development, ATAGS could pave the way for India to become a leading exporter of high-tech defence systems in the future.

The approval of this deal reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening its defence infrastructure while promoting self-reliance in critical military technology. The ATAGS system stands as a symbol of India's growing prowess in indigenous defence production, reinforcing national security and boosting the country’s defence manufacturing sector.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for eight defence proposals totalling more than ₹54,000 crore. In addition, the council has approved new guidelines to streamline and expedite the acquisition process, the Centre announced on March 20.

Major Approvals Across the Armed Forces

For the Indian Army, the DAC has approved the procurement of a 1,350 HP engine to replace the existing 1,000 HP engine in T-90 tanks. This upgrade is expected to enhance battlefield mobility, particularly in high-altitude areas, by increasing the tank’s power-to-weight ratio, making it more effective in challenging terrains.

The Indian Navy received approval for the procurement of Varunastra, an indigenously developed ship-launched anti-submarine torpedo. This advanced weapon, designed to counter submarine threats, is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Following the announcement, shares of BDL saw a nearly 4% increase in the stock market on March 20.

For the Indian Air Force (IAF), the DAC approved the acquisition of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft systems. These systems use sophisticated radars to detect and track enemy aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from long distances. According to the government’s statement, these AEW&C aircraft will serve as force multipliers, significantly boosting the combat capability of the IAF’s weapon systems. The IAF already operates the Netra AEW&C system, mounted on Embraer aircraft.

New Guidelines to Speed Up Defence Acquisitions

In addition to these key approvals, the DAC has introduced new guidelines aimed at reducing the timelines involved in the Capital Acquisition Process. These measures are designed to make defence acquisitions more efficient and ensure timely procurement of critical equipment.

The Indian government has emphasised its commitment to defence modernisation in 2025, with a particular focus on cyber and space security. Additionally, there is a strong push to incorporate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) into national security strategies.

Strengthening India’s Defence Capabilities

The approval of these defence proposals marks a significant step in strengthening India’s military capabilities across land, sea, and air. With an emphasis on indigenous development and modern technology, these acquisitions align with the country’s broader goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. As the government accelerates defence reforms, these strategic decisions are expected to enhance national security and operational readiness in the coming years.