India approves ₹7,000-crore deal for artillery guns

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in India has approved a deal worth ₹7,000 crores for 307 locally made artillery guns. This decision aims to strengthen the country's defense manufacturing and modernize military capabilities. The Atags (advanced towed artillery gun system) deal was approved on Wednesday, with plans for a contract signing by the end of March. These 155mm/52-caliber guns can fire over a range of 48 kilometers. The Defence Research and Development Organisation started the Atags project in 2013 to upgrade the army's aging artillery. Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited are the companies involved in manufacturing the guns. Bharat Forge, being the lowest bidder, will produce 60% of the guns, while Tata Advanced Systems will handle the rest. This new order follows a recent contract with Larsen & Toubro for 100 self-propelled K9 Vajra-T guns. These guns are also being manufactured locally and are part of efforts to enhance the operational readiness of the Indian Army. India is focusing on improving its artillery capabilities, emphasizing mobility and precision. A new strategy will provide advanced artillery systems, longer-range missiles, and better targeting units. Recently, an Atags prototype was used for a ceremonial salute at the 75th Independence Day. India continues to promote self-reliance in defense by implementing import bans and increasing local military spending. In its latest budget, India allocated over ₹6.81 lakh crores for defense, aiming for 75% of spending to support domestic procurement of weapons and equipment.