The Indian Army is modernizing its artillery with the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), a domestically designed and developed 155mm howitzer. This gun is engineered for deployment across diverse terrains, from the deserts of Rajasthan to the high-altitude regions like Siachen.

The ATAGS project was initiated in 2012 by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The gun system is being developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems. These companies are also production partners.

The ATAGS boasts several key features:

• Mobility and Deployability: It is towed by a 6x6 platform. The gun covered a distance of 341 km negotiating terrains with steep gradient and hairpin bends with ease without needing to unhook the gun from the tower. Mobility of the gun was tested for a distance of 526 km.
• All-Electric Drive: The system is configured with an all-electric drive for maintenance-free and reliable field operations.
• Firing Capabilities: It has a burst firing mode and can fire 10 high-explosive shells in 2.5 minutes. In burst fire mode, it can fire five rounds in 60 seconds.
• Range: The ATAGS has a firing range of 48 km, making it one of the longest-range towed artillery systems.
• Sighting Systems: It is designed to engage targets in both direct and indirect fire modes. For direct fire, it uses an optronic sight that can engage targets up to 1.5 km away and has a detection range of up to 10 km.
• Shoot-and-scoot Capability: The ATAGS has a 'shoot-and-scoot' capability, allowing it to quickly fire and relocate, minimizing its exposure to counter-fire.
• Extreme Temperature Operation: The ATAGS is designed to operate in extreme temperatures.

The ATAGS is compatible with existing in-service ammunition and can integrate with the Indian Army's Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS). The ACCCS automates field artillery functions such as trajectory computation and secure communication.

The ATAGS comprises upper and under carriages. The upper carriage includes the gun barrel, breech, muzzle brake, recoil system, cradle, saddle, and ammunition handling system. The undercarriage consists of structural, automotive, and auxiliary systems.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has already approved the acquisition of 307 ATAGS for the Indian Army. In March 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) cleared the procurement of 307 ATAGS and 327 6×6 gun towing vehicles to arm 15 artillery regiments at an estimated cost of around ₹7,000 crore.

Stringent testing has enabled the ATAGS to set global benchmarks, including a remarkable firing range exceeding 48 kilometers. These milestones were achievable precisely because of the Army's stringent standards, driving continual design, engineering and performance improvement.