In a bid to strengthen its defense capabilities along the border, the Indian Army has proposed the acquisition of 307 115m Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs) to be deployed along the China-Pakistan border. The proposal has been cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and the procurement process will begin soon, reports cited.
What are ATAGs
The ATAGs are state-of-the-art artillery guns that have a range of over 50 kilometers and are capable of accurately firing up to six rounds in less than three minutes. These howitzers are an easy war deterrents, but in case of conflict, these guns are designed to be towed by heavy trucks and can be deployed quickly to inflict heavy damages on enemy bunkers and build ups.
ATAGs and Atmanirbhar Bharat
The Indian Army has selected two companies, Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, to help in the procurement process. The technology and know-how of raw howitzers have been shared with the companies and they will be responsible for the manufacture and delivery of the ATAGs. They will also provide High Mobility Vehicles for the deployment of the howitzers. The acquisition of the ATAGs is a significant step towards achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in defense manufacturing.
Use of ATAGs
The CCS clearance for the proposal comes after extensive testing of the ATAGs by the Indian Army. The guns were tested in the Pokhran range and in various terrains and weather conditions to ensure their effectiveness and reliability. In open field fights, ATAGs accurately destroy enemy bunkers giving back support to infantry troops.
These are also essential in high terrain fights, where they ensure artillery cover for infantry troops to close into enemy bunkers. With recent skirmishes with China in Ladakh and Arunanchal Pradesh region, high altitude application of these ATAGs are extremely significant. The ATAGs are equipped with the latest technology, including advanced fire control systems, navigation systems, and communication systems. The guns also have a high rate of fire and are capable of firing a variety of ammunition types, including guided projectiles. The basic testing also included test firing the ATAGs in 13000 feet altitude in both night and day light condition, where sustained firing of 60 rounds per hour were tested on tank sized targets.
The Deal and Reactions
The cost of the deal is estimated to be around Rs 12,000 crores ($1.6 billion), making it one of the largest defense deals in recent times. The acquisition of the ATAGs is part of the Indian Army’s modernization drive to upgrade its ageing artillery arsenal.
The proposal to acquire the ATAGs has been welcomed by defense experts and analysts. The deployment of the ATAGs along the China-Pakistan border is critical for India’s defense strategy. The border with China has been a major point of contention between the two countries, with both sides engaging in frequent border disputes. The acquisition of the ATAGs will provide the Indian Army with an advantage in case of a conflict. The procurement of the ATAGs by the Indian Army is a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing. The deployment of these state-of-the-art artillery guns along the China-Pakistan border will provide the Indian Army with a strategic advantage in case of a conflict.
