A new mounted artillery gun system has been developed to support Indian Army operations in areas where traditional towed guns cannot be deployed, according to Ramamohana Rao, Director of the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment ( VRDE). The system integrates the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) onto an 8x8 high-mobility truck and is designed to offer quick deployment and withdrawal, a feature that has gained relevance in modern warfare scenarios.
Quick deployment and “shoot and scoot” capability
Rao said the system can be deployed within 80 seconds and moved from the firing location in 85 seconds, helping it avoid enemy counter-battery fire. “Shoot and scoot” is a tactical feature that was prominently seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Key technical features
The mounted system weighs 30 tonnes and is capable of achieving speeds up to 90 km/h. It is equipped with a bulletproof cabin to protect the six-member crew from enemy fire and blast pressure. The 155mm, 52-calibre gun can fire six rounds per minute and has a maximum range of 45 kilometres, with a target impact area of up to 50 square metres.
The gun has been built to meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) issued by the Indian Army in 2022. “The gun that we have produced will cost around ₹15 crore, compared to foreign systems which cost between ₹35 and ₹40 crore,” said Rao. Bharat Forge is the manufacturing partner under the Development-cum-Production Partner ( DCPP) model.
Designed for difficult terrain
The new artillery platform is capable of navigating slushy and rough terrains and can operate on gradients up to 20%. Rao said this makes it suitable for deployment along the northeastern, eastern, and western borders of India. It also has an elevation range of 70 degrees and a 30-degree azimuth, offering a wide range of targeting angles.
Focus on indigenous production
The first prototype of the system has 85% indigenous content. Rao said production versions are expected to increase this to 95%, aligning with India’s push for domestic defence manufacturing.
Army’s projected need
According to reports, the Indian Army has a projected requirement of 814 mounted gun systems to expand its artillery strength across diverse terrains. The newly developed system is expected to be a major option to meet that requirement.
(With inputs from ANI)
Quick deployment and “shoot and scoot” capability
Rao said the system can be deployed within 80 seconds and moved from the firing location in 85 seconds, helping it avoid enemy counter-battery fire. “Shoot and scoot” is a tactical feature that was prominently seen during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Key technical features
The mounted system weighs 30 tonnes and is capable of achieving speeds up to 90 km/h. It is equipped with a bulletproof cabin to protect the six-member crew from enemy fire and blast pressure. The 155mm, 52-calibre gun can fire six rounds per minute and has a maximum range of 45 kilometres, with a target impact area of up to 50 square metres.
The gun has been built to meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) issued by the Indian Army in 2022. “The gun that we have produced will cost around ₹15 crore, compared to foreign systems which cost between ₹35 and ₹40 crore,” said Rao. Bharat Forge is the manufacturing partner under the Development-cum-Production Partner ( DCPP) model.
Designed for difficult terrain
The new artillery platform is capable of navigating slushy and rough terrains and can operate on gradients up to 20%. Rao said this makes it suitable for deployment along the northeastern, eastern, and western borders of India. It also has an elevation range of 70 degrees and a 30-degree azimuth, offering a wide range of targeting angles.
Focus on indigenous production
The first prototype of the system has 85% indigenous content. Rao said production versions are expected to increase this to 95%, aligning with India’s push for domestic defence manufacturing.
Army’s projected need
According to reports, the Indian Army has a projected requirement of 814 mounted gun systems to expand its artillery strength across diverse terrains. The newly developed system is expected to be a major option to meet that requirement.
(With inputs from ANI)
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