New Delhi: Bharat Forge Limited, based in Pune, has emerged as the lowest bidder for a significant contract with the Indian Army to procure indigenous 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Bharat Forge has been announced as the lowest bidder in the Indian Army’s tender for the domestic production of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), valued at approximately ₹7,000 crore. This decision was confirmed following the opening of commercial bids, where Bharat Forge outbid other competitors, including TATA Advanced Systems.
The order is likely to be split 60:40 between Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), the two developmental partners for the indigenous guns. As per rules of procurement, TASL will get 40% of the order share if it matches the price bid put up by its competitor.
Under the terms of the contract, Bharat Forge will be responsible for manufacturing 60% of the howitzers, while TATA Advanced Systems Limited will produce the remaining 40%. This collaboration is part of a broader initiative to boost indigenous defence manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign arms, aligning with India’s strategic goals for self-reliance in defence production.
The ATAGS project is significant for India’s defence capabilities, as it aims to enhance artillery firepower with advanced technology. Bharat Forge, based in Pune, has a strong reputation in the defence manufacturing sector, which likely contributed to its competitive bid. The successful execution of this contract will mark a notable advancement in India’s self-reliance in defence production, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative.
This would also be the first sale of the guns in the country as the howitzers have already been exported to friendly foreign countries like Armenia.
The ATAGS is a state-of-the-art 155mm, 52-caliber howitzer designed to replace older artillery systems in service with the Indian Army. It features advanced technology such as an all-electric drive system, high mobility, and automated fire control capabilities. The weapon system has already undergone extensive trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in various terrains and conditions, including high-altitude environments.
Extensively tested by the Army in different terrains, from desert areas to high altitude ranges in Sikkim, the towed guns have been have been declared fit for induction. Among the tests conducted by the Army were sustained firing drills using just the backup battery at heights of over 13,000 feet and checking performance at extremely low temperatures.
The order of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) for deployment along the borders with China and Pakistan is expected to be placed in the current financial year for contract finalisation, pending approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security. This order not only signifies a major domestic procurement but also positions India to enhance its artillery capabilities along critical borders with China and Pakistan.
Additionally, the Army has also issued a tender to acquire next-generation artillery guns that will be designed, developed and manufactured in India. The Army requires 400 of these gun systems in the first phase and the requirement could be multiplied in the coming years with replacement of legacy equipment. The advanced 155mm/52 calibre guns will be lighter and more versatile than current artillery guns, including ATAGS.
The private defence manufacturing sector that has invested heavily in the past few years to develop artillery systems are taking keen interest in the Indian Army’s acquisition of a new towed gun system. Top contenders for the contract will include Bharat Forge, TASL and Larsen & Toubro, which has already manufactured and supplied K9 Vajra self-propelled artillery guns to the Army.
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