Defexpo 2022: DRDO unveils indigenous ATAGS

KSSL's ATAGS (pictured above) at Defence Expo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled the indigenously developed 155 mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) at Defexpo 2022 being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 18 to 22 October.

The ATAGS is jointly developed by the DRDO, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL).

According to TASL, the system has capabilities such as a self-propelled mode and an automatic ammunition handling system that can fire six successive rounds.

The company added that the system can fire up to a maximum of 48 km and the towing speed of the system is 60 km/h.

The elevation angle of the gun ranges from -3° to +72°. The system can fire up to Zone 7 bi-modular charge system (BMCS).

The ATAGS includes capabilities such as the auto loading and positioning system, the auto laying system, safety interlocks and redundancy systems, the muzzle velocity radar, and all-electric drives ensuring the least maintainability and failures, said KSSL.

Rahul Bhilare, manager at KSSL, told Janes that the firing trials of ATAGS were completed in July 2022.

“The maintenance evaluation trials and the quality assurance trials were also concluded in August 2022. The system was successful in the tests. By mid-November, the system will be evaluated completely,” said Bhilare.

He added that the Indian Army will induct the system in 2023.

In August 2018 the Indian Ministry of Defence's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) sanctioned the procurement of 150 ATAGS guns for the Indian Army for INR33.65 billion (USD410 million).

Janes