Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) alongside Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, ATAGS is a 155mm/52 caliber howitzer designed to replace aging systems like the Bofors FH77B. With a range exceeding 48 km and capabilities tested in high-altitude conditions, it enhances border security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan.
This move aligns with India’s push for self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign arms and potentially opening export opportunities to Southeast Asia and Africa. The system’s automation and mobility, mounted on an 8×8 truck, ensure rapid deployment, crucial given ongoing border tensions, especially post the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes.
India-Italy Defence Cooperation: Expanding Horizons
In March 2025, a bilateral meeting in Rome between Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Lt. Gen. Luciano Portolano, Italy’s National Armaments Director highlighted growing Defence ties. This cooperation, elevated to a strategic partnership in 2023, focuses on co-development in aerospace, naval systems and advanced electronics, as well as maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. It builds on a 2023 agreement covering R&D, industrial collaboration, and joint ventures, aiming to enhance India’s “Make-in-India” initiative with Italian technological expertise.
This partnership diversifies India’s Defence alliances, complementing traditional ties with Russia and the USA and strengthens maritime capabilities, vital for India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean.
Survey Note: A Detailed Analysis of India’s Defence Modernisation and Diplomatic Outreach
India’s evolving Defence strategy, emphasising indigenous development and international partnerships, is exemplified by the recent procurement of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and enhanced Defence cooperation with Italy. This section provides a comprehensive examination of these developments, their strategic implications, technological aspects and geopolitical context, drawing on official reports, news articles and think tank analyses.
Background and Context
India’s Defence policy has shifted towards the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign arms imports and foster domestic manufacturing. Concurrently, it seeks to expand Defence diplomacy with global players, as seen in its engagements with Italy, a technologically advanced NATO member. These efforts are set against the backdrop of heightened border tensions with China and Pakistan, necessitating robust military modernisation.
ATAGS Procurement: Technical and Strategic Dimensions
The ATAGS, approved for procurement in March 2025 with a Rs 7,000 crore budget, is a towed 155mm/52 caliber howitzer developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System. The system boasts:
Field trials, including in high-altitude areas like Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, have demonstrated its suitability for border operations and the Rs 7,000 crore deal for ATAGS approved. The procurement of 307 units aims to arm 15 artillery regiments, with plans for future orders up to 1,580 units, reflecting its strategic importance India Clears Rs 7,000 Crore Deal for ATAGS.
Strategically, ATAGS enhances border defence against China and Pakistan, both of which have modernised their artillery systems. The 2020 Galwan Valley clashes with China and ongoing tensions with Pakistan underscore the need for advanced firepower. It also aligns with India’s infrastructure expansion along the northern frontiers, including roads and airfields and supports force modernisation with drones and smart munitions.
The system’s development reduces import dependency, a key goal of DAP 2020, and offers export potential to friendly nations, enhancing India’s global Defence footprint Can ATAGS Give India’s Military A Boost?
The cooperation, detailed in a 2023 agreement, covers:
Co-Development Projects: Leveraging Italian expertise in aerospace, naval systems, and advanced electronics, including offers like the Falco Xplorer UAV Italy’s Defence Cooperation with India.
Defence Industrial Collaboration: Enhancing “Make-in-India” with FDI from Italian firms, focusing on joint ventures and co-production.
Maritime Security: Joint patrolling and naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, as seen in recent drills Italy and India’s Naval Cooperation.
This partnership diversifies India’s defence alliances, complementing ties with Russia, France, Israel and the USA and strengthens maritime capabilities critical for the Indian Ocean region.
Analysis: Diplomacy and Defence as Complementary Tools
The ATAGS procurement and Indo-Italian cooperation are interconnected, reflecting India’s dual strategy of self-reliance and global engagement. While ATAGS bolsters land-based artillery, Italy’s technological expertise can enhance future indigenous systems, particularly in advanced munitions or electronics. The focus on maritime security complements India’s land Defence, ensuring a balanced posture across domains.
This approach aligns with India’s broader Defence diplomacy, expanding partnerships with NATO members like Italy to counterbalance traditional suppliers and address emerging threats. It also positions India as a key player in the Indo-Pacific, leveraging alliances for strategic influence.
Conclusion and Future Research
The Rs 7,000 crore ATAGS deal and deepened ties with Italy exemplify India’s maturing defence posture, balancing internal capabilities with selective external engagement. Future research should evaluate ATAGS’s operational efficacy post-deployment and monitor outcomes of Indo-Italian projects to assess the long-term viability of this dual-strategy model.
This analysis draws on official sources like DRDO press releases DRDO Press Release on ATAGS Ministry of Defence reports Indian Ministry of Defence Annual Report and think tank insights IDSA Commentary on Artillery Modernisation, ensuring a research-based perspective.