Indian MoD Signs Deals worth $840 Million for New Artillery Systems
The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed two major contracts worth a combined total of approximately $840 million (₹6,900 crore) with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems to strengthen the country’s defence capabilities. The agreements, finalized at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, cover the procurement of 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) and high-mobility 6×6 gun towing vehicles. This milestone aligns with the Indian government’s commitment to modernizing the Army’s artillery systems while promoting self-reliance in the defence sector. The induction of ATAGS will enhance precision, range, and firepower, reinforcing India’s indigenous defence manufacturing.
ATAGS is a state-of-the-art, long-range artillery platform developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation through its Armament Research and Development Establishment in Pune. It is designed to enhance the Indian Army’s precision and extended-range firepower. ATAGS will replace older, lower-calibre artillery systems currently in service. Manufactured and integrated by Bharat Forge, one of the private sector production partners, ATAGS has undergone extensive technical trials and validations in recent years. With a 155 mm caliber and 52 caliber barrel length, it offers improved range, higher rate of fire and enhanced mobility compared to legacy platforms. This procurement marks a significant milestone as India’s first major acquisition of towed artillery guns from the private sector, strengthening domestic defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The system’s advanced capabilities will significantly improve the Army’s long-range precision strikes and overall firepower.
In addition to the ATAGS, the MoD signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited on December 20, 2024, for the procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns at a total cost of ₹7,628.70 crore ($891 million). These versatile propelled howitzers are based on the South Korean K9 Thunder and are expected to enhance the Indian Army’s operational readiness by providing long-range, precise, and lethal firepower across various terrains, including high-altitude areas with sub-zero temperatures.
Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea signed a $253 million contract with Larsen & Toubro, on April 3, to supply components for 100 additional K9 Vajra-T self-propelled howitzers for the Indian Army. The agreement was signed at the Embassy of South Korea in New Delhi.
This new order follows the initial contract from 2017, under which 100 K9 Vajra-T howitzers were delivered ahead of schedule by February 18, 2021, from L&T’s Armoured Systems Complex in Hazira. The K9 Vajra-T, a battle-proven artillery system, enhances India’s defense firepower, mobility, and high-altitude warfare capabilities.
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has also signed a contract with Tata Advanced Systems Limited to procure high-mobility 6×6 artillery towing vehicles. These vehicles will play a crucial role in transporting and deploying the ATAGS and other heavy artillery across different terrains. Built for strategic mobility and tactical flexibility, the 6×6 vehicles offer superior off-road performance, higher payload capacity and seamless integration with artillery systems. Their induction will enhance the Indian Army’s capability to move artillery rapidly, especially in remote and rugged areas, ensuring faster deployment and better logistics support in challenging environments.