Army to trial indigenous gun with 85-second shoot-and-scoot capability

Ahmednagar: The Indian Army is preparing to conduct extensive trials of a new indigenous mounted gun system (MGS) capable of firing and relocating within 85 seconds, enhancing its ability to evade enemy counter-attacks. Developed by the DRDO’s Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, this mobile artillery platform aims to boost firepower and mobility for frontline units.

The MGS, a 155mm/52 calibre truck-mounted howitzer based on the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), can fire six rounds per minute and hit targets over 45 km away. The weapon has already completed successful internal trials at Balasore and Pokhran, firing more than 100 rounds.

“The system meets all the qualitative requirements set by the Army,” said GRM Rao, VRDE Director, adding that it matches or exceeds global benchmarks, including France’s Caesar and Israel’s ATMOS 2000 systems.

The Army has asked DRDO to provide the system for trials in varied terrain and weather conditions. DRDO has also transferred the technology to Bharat Forge for production. India is looking to procure 700–800 such guns to modernize its artillery capabilities.

Although the Defence Ministry floated a tender in 2023 for 300 mounted gun systems, the upcoming tests are separate and focused on evaluating the DRDO-Bharat Forge model. Competing firms in the tender include Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence (in partnership with an Israeli firm), and Advanced Weapons Equipment India Ltd.

The MGS includes several advanced features:

Mounted on an 8x8 wheeled vehicle

Armoured, blast-resistant cabin

Shock-absorbing stabilisers

Integrated electric power system

Indigenous content up to 85%

The ATAGS, already ordered by the Army, will be produced by Bharat Forge (60%) and Tata Advanced Systems (40%) under ₹6,900 crore contracts signed in March. It will replace older, lower-calibre guns.

This push for mobile firepower is part of the Army’s five-pronged strategy to dominate modern battlefields, incorporating longer-range artillery, high-precision missiles, quicker target acquisition, and shorter response times.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has further highlighted the need for such high-mobility systems. Self-propelled artillery like the K9 Vajra-T, which India has ordered from Larsen & Toubro in partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Techwin, has become increasingly relevant. A new ₹7,629 crore order for 100 more Vajra-T units was signed in December 2024.

Apart from imported M777 ultra-light howitzers from the US, nearly all new artillery systems inducted over the past six years are made in India, aligning with the Make in India vision for defence self-reliance.

Senior officials assert that mounted and self-propelled artillery will remain key to battlefield survival and rapid deployment in future conflicts.