The Indigenous Howitzer (known as Artillery Guns)- Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) developed by DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization) underwent Trials at Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. The Howitzer has a strike range of around 50 Kms. DRDO partnered with Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), and private companies Bharat Forge Limited, Mahindra Defence Naval System, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) for the project.

Key Points:

i.The ATAGS project was initiated by DRDO in 2013 for replacing older guns in the Indian Army with the latest 155 mm Artillery Gun.

ii.The ATAGS Howitzer was publicly showcased for the first time at the 68th Republic Day Parade in 2017.

iii.Howitzers are listed in the Negative Import List released by the Defence Ministry on August 9, 2020, which means that they have to be produced in India under Make in India.

iv.Some of the Artillery guns which are now used by Indian Army are – M777 (procured from United States), Haubits FH77 – Bofors Gun (Origin Sweden), K-9 Vajra (Built by Larsen & Toubro).

About Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO):

Chairman – Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy

Headquarters – New Delhi

About Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE):

Director – Dr. V Venkateswara Rao

Headquarter – Pune, Maharashtra.