ATAGS is the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System which has been developed by the Centre-run Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
For the first time in the history of India, an indigenously developed artillery gun ATAGS was used for the ceremonial 21-gun salute during the 75th Independence Day ceremony at Red Fort, New Delhi, along with the vintage British guns which are traditionally used.
ATAGS is a 155mm x 52 calibre heavy artillery gun, capable of hitting targets from 45 to 48 km. The howitzer boasts advanced features such as high mobility, quick deployability in combat, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system with night capability in direct-fire mode. The folding cannon is said to be the longest-range cannon in the world. The gun was first showcased at the 68th Republic Day parade on January 26, 2017.
The ATAGS project was started in 2013 by the DRDO to replace older guns in service in the Army. DRDO’s laboratory Armament Research and Development Establishment, Pune, partnered with two private firms, Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited, to manufacture this specialised gun.
ATAGS has gone through rigorous trials in varied weather and terrain conditions towards meeting the specifications of the Army. The development of ATAGS comes as part of the government’s push to make the country self-reliant in the defence sector.
*Howitzers are towed, self-propelled heavy duty field guns designed to throw exploding shells in an arcing trajectory.
*21-gun salute is a type of military salute that is performed by firing guns or artillery to honour the President and visiting heads of state and on special occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day.
Picture Credit : Google