Cabinet Approves Rs 7,000 Crore Acquisition of India-Made Advanced Artillery Guns, Strengthening Self-Reliance
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Synopsis
The Cabinet Committee on Security has given the green light for the acquisition of the India-made ATAGS, valued at nearly Rs 7,000 crore. This crucial step enhances India’s self-reliance in defence, showcasing indigenous technological capabilities and fortifying national security.
Key Takeaways
- ATAGS acquisition worth Rs 7,000 crore approved.
- Enhances self-reliance in the defence sector.
- Indigenous development reduces foreign dependency.
- Creates substantial employment opportunities.
- Strengthens India's position in global defence exports.
New Delhi, March 20 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the purchase of the India-manufactured Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) valued at approximately Rs 7,000 crore. This decision represents a significant advancement towards enhancing the country's self-reliance in the defence industry, as per official sources.
The ATAGS, the first 155 mm artillery gun that has been indigenously designed, developed, and produced, is poised to boost the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces through its state-of-the-art technology and superior firepower.
Equipped with a long 52-calibre barrel, the ATAGS allows for extended firing ranges of up to 40 km and is regarded as a transformative asset. Its larger calibre guarantees greater lethality, providing increased explosive payloads while facilitating automated deployment, target engagement, and minimizing crew fatigue. This approval highlights India’s expanding capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing and technological innovation.
The introduction of the ATAGS will be vital in modernizing the artillery of the Indian Army by replacing obsolete 105 mm and 130 mm guns. Its strategic deployment along the western and northern borders will offer the armed forces a significant advantage, enhancing operational readiness and firepower.
As a testament to the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the ATAGS has been developed through collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector partners within India. Over 65 percent of its components are sourced domestically, including critical subsystems like the barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism, firing and recoil system, and ammunition handling mechanism. This progress not only fortifies India’s defence sector but also lessens reliance on foreign imports.
As a fully indigenous system, the ATAGS will benefit from a strong supply chain for spares and seamless life cycle maintenance. The domestically developed system ensures long-term product support, reinforcing India’s self-sufficiency in defence technology.
A key advantage of the ATAGS is its minimal dependence on foreign components. Essential subsystems such as the Navigation System, Muzzle Velocity Radar, and sensors are designed and sourced within India, which significantly diminishes the country's reliance on foreign technology and imports.
The approval and production of the ATAGS will create substantial employment opportunities, generating an estimated 20 lakh man-days across various sectors. Furthermore, this development is anticipated to enhance India’s position in the global defence export market, paving the way for future indigenous defence exports.
