The Author is Former Director General of Information Systems and A Special Forces Veteran, Indian Army

Bharat Forge has introduced a new Towed Gun System to meet the Indian Army's requirements, following its work on the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This move is part of Bharat Forge's ongoing efforts to enhance India's indigenous defence capabilities and align with the government's 'Make in India' initiative. Bharat Forge's new offering is distinct and not based on Israeli designs, as confirmed by Neelesh Tungar, CEO of Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited. This system aims to fulfil the Indian Army's expectations for advanced artillery capabilities.

Bharat Forge has introduced a new Towed Gun System to meet the Indian Army's requirements, following its work on the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS)

The ATAGS, developed in collaboration with TATA Advanced Systems and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery system known for its extended range of over 48 km and high rate of fire. The system is designed to replace the ageing artillery in the Indian Army's inventory, providing enhanced range, precision and mobility, the ATAGS is expected to play a crucial role in modernising India's artillery forces, offering capabilities like automated gun alignment, high mobility and the ability to operate in various terrains, including hogh altitude areas along India's borders.

Bharat Forge had already secured significant contracts for this system, indicating its readiness for deployment after extensive testing across various terrains. But now Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a key player in India's defence manufacturing sector, is poised to receive a significant order for the ATAGS before the fiscal year ends on March 31, 2025. This engagement comes after KSSL emerged as the lowest bidder (LI) in the competition for supplying these state-of-the-art artillery systems to the Indian Army, with the Tata Group coming as the second lowest bidder (L2). The speculation is that of the total 307 ATAGS units, KSSL is expected to secure the contracts for approximately 185 units, with manufacture of the balance 122 going to Tata Group. This reflects KSSL's competitive edge in the bidding process. The ATAGS was developed through collaboration between the DRDO and private sector companies, including the KSSL and the Tata Group. The split order for manufacturing underscores the strategic partnership between the government and the domestic defence industry is to foster competition in development and manufacture.

At IDEX Abu Dhabi 2025, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, a wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, unveiled the MArG 45, a mobile gun system mounted on a 4x4 all-terrain platform

The introduction of the new towed gun system reflects Bharat Forge's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The company is also focusing on export opportunities, as the ATAGS has already garnered interest from international markets, including a successful deployment in Armenia. Bharat Forge expressed optimism about the ongoing defence reforms in India and how they could further boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. The strategic focus is not only on meeting current military needs but also on establishing India as a credible player in the global defence market. This development marks a significant step in enhancing India's artillery capabilities while promoting indigenous defence manufacturing. So, what is this new gun system?

The introduction of the new towed gun system reflects Bharat Forge's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The company is also focusing on export opportunities

At IDEX Abu Dhabi 2025 show, Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited, a wholly-owned defence subsidiary of Bharat Forge, unveiled the MArG 45, mobile gun system mounted on a 4x4 all-terrain platform. The company said that MArG 45 exemplifies Kalyani Group's ingenuity in challenging conventions, integrating firepower, range, and mobility into a single, ground-breaking platform. MArG 45 is the only 45mm mounted gun system in the world. MArG 45 offers unmatched firepower, capable of firing beyond 36 km using conventional ammunition. Baba Kalyani, Chairman & MD, Bharat Forge said, "This Mounted Gun Platform represents a significant leap in defence technology, showcasing our commitment to innovation and excellence. It is a testament to our capability to develop 'Designed and Made in India' most advanced artillery defence platforms."

Another interesting development at IDEX 2025 was Bharat Forge signing a groundbreaking Letter of Intent (LOI) with AM General of the USA for the supply of advanced artillery cannons manufactured in India

Designed for rapid deployment and superior manoeuvrability, it is a "go-anywhere" gun with unparalleled shoot-and-scoot capabilities. The gun features an intense rate of fire of 10 rounds in 3 minutes and a sustained rate of 42 rounds in 60 minutes, ensuring continuous firepower during combat. The unveiling of MArG 45 marks a significant milestone in mobile artillery according to the company. The company said that MArG 45 offers unmatched firepower, capable of firing beyond 36 km using conventional ammunition.

Another interesting development at IDEX 2025 was Bharat Forge signing a groundbreaking Letter of Intent (LOI) with AM General of the USA, for the supply of advanced artillery cannons manufactured in India. This marks the first ever agreement for the supply of artillery cannons from an India company to the USA; underscoring the growing defence cooperation between India and the US. The LOI signed is part of a wider agreement between the two companies that will see KSSL supply Made-in-India artillery solutions, including mounted, towed and ultra-light gun systems in 105mm and 155 calibres.