Bharat Forge Secures ₹6,000 CR Defense Contract

Pune-based Bharat Forge Limited has clinched a landmark defense contract as the lowest bidder for supplying 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS) to the Indian Army. The indigenous project, developed by DRDO, marks a significant step towards defense self-reliance.

Under the ₹6,000-crore agreement, Bharat Forge will manufacture 60% of the howitzers, while Tata Advanced Systems Limited, the second-lowest bidder, will produce the remaining 40%. This collaboration highlights India's growing capabilities in advanced defense manufacturing.

The 155mm, 52-calibre ATAGS, designed by DRDO's Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, has already proven its export potential with successful deals with countries like Armenia. Both manufacturers are exploring further opportunities in African markets.

The procurement aims to strengthen India's artillery capabilities along its strategic borders with China and Pakistan. The contract, expected to be finalized this fiscal year, follows successful trials at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in early 2023, which included comprehensive testing of towing capabilities using Tata vehicles.

This order represents the first major domestic procurement of ATAGS, reinforcing India's commitment to indigenous defense production and technological advancement.