The Indian Army’s advanced cannon system (ATAGS) will soon increase its firepower by more than 80 kilometers. Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing indigenous ammunition, which will improve accuracy and distance. Currently atags can disting the target up to 48 km. DRDO’s AD Research and Development Installation (Arde) is working on a variety of ammunition, including sailor satellite guidance and ramjet-powered intelligent ammunition. These ramjet shells will be suitable for 155 mm cannons like Hubbits FH77, Dhanush and K9 Vajra-T.
ARDE Director A. Raju said that Ramjet shells will be ready in five years, which would prove to be decisive in the war. These shells will be equipped with precise guidance kits and their own propulsion system for trajecting path improvement, which will increase speed and distance. ATAGS was launched in 2012 and completed in 10 years from design to testing. It is weighing 155 mm/52 caliber cannon 19.5 tonnes, which can be transported at a speed of 40 km/h. Its firing rate is 5 shells a minute and 10 balls in 2.3 minutes, with an accuracy with 0.6% error.
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defense signed contracts at a cost of Rs 6,900 crore for 307 atags and 327 high dynamics 6 × 6 drawing vehicles. India forge will manufacture 60% and Tata advanced system 40% cannons. Atags have more than 75% indigenous content, including barrels, placenta brakes and ammunition management systems. It can work in all seasons and areas.
Armenia has been exported to the first batch of ATAGS, promoting India’s defense exports. The Army will deploy the first ATAGS Regiment by 2027, which will change the old 105 mm and 130 mm cannons. This system is part of the ‘self -reliant India’ initiative, which will increase the firepower of the army.
