The Indian Army has approved the procurement of 155 mm X 52 Cal Towed Gun Systems (TGS) and accompanying Gun Towing Vehicles under its Field Artillery Rationalisation Program (FARP). The procurement falls under the Army’s Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) in the Buy Indian-Designed, Developed and Made or Buy (Indian-IDDM) Category.
The AoN specifies key requirements for the Towed Gun System, including a 155 mm caliber with a barrel length of 52 calibers, a weight of 15,000 kg or less, and a minimum service life of 20 years. The Towed Gun System should have a maximum firing range exceeding 40 km and a minimum range of 5 km in high angle. It should also be compatible with all in-service 155 mm ammunition and have a barrel life of at least 1500 Equivalent Full Charge (EFC).
The Indian Army plans to procure 400 TGS along with 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS). These acquisitions aim to boost the Army’s firepower and support the local industry. The 155 mm X 52 caliber Towed Gun Systems are lighter and easier to use than older models, making them suitable for high-altitude areas like mountains. The Army also intends to purchase the ATAGS for use along the borders with China and Pakistan. These guns, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with the assistance of private companies, have completed all tests and are expected to be ordered soon.
The DRDO is actively collaborating with both private and public sectors to develop new weapons. The procurement of these new guns is part of the Indian Army’s broader effort to modernize its artillery regiments.