Indian Army looks to buy Rs 6,000 crore next generation artillery guns with advanced features from Indian companies

More firepower for Indian Army: In a significant development, the Indian Army has moved a proposal worth Rs 6,000 crore for the acquisition of next generation guns, which will be developed and manufactured by domestic companies. These advanced weapons are poised to become the mainstay component of the army’s artillery force, sources familiar with the matter told ET.
The proposed next-gen towed gun system (TGS) is expected to be much better than its predecessor in terms of versatility and weight, while also incorporating a host of enhanced features. The army’s proposal outlines the acquisition of 400 advanced 155mm/52 calibre guns from Indian industry players, marking a substantial opportunity for domestic firms, as previously reported by ET. The total requirement for these new guns is estimated to be around 1,200.

Key players in the defence sector, including Larsen and Toubro, Tata Defence, and Bharat Forge, are likely to vie for the contract once it receives the green light from the defence ministry. Notably, the TGS will be more advanced and lighter than the advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), which is currently in the acquisition pipeline.
The army has already initiated discussions with Indian manufacturers, eliciting an array of suggestions for the futuristic artillery weapon’s features. This next-gen system is anticipated to offer superior automation, precision, and an expanded range of specialized ammunition compared to the existing systems in service.

At present, the bulk of the Indian artillery comprises 130mm field guns, which are gradually undergoing an upgrade to 155mm under the Sharang project. Simultaneously, the army is in the process of finalizing a contract for the acquisition of 155mm/52 calibre ATAGS. This order for 307 guns is set to be shared between Tata Defence and Bharat Forge, who collaborated with DRDO in its development. The army is presently awaiting commercial offers to advance this procurement process.