SOURCE: AFI
The Indian Army has issued a significant ?6,500 crore tender for the procurement of 400 155/52 calibre Indigenous Design Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) Towed Gun Systems (TGS). This move marks a crucial step in bolstering India’s artillery firepower with advanced and indigenously produced weaponry.
Leading Indian defense companies, including Bharat Forge, Adani Defence, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), and state-owned Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), have received tender documents and are expected to submit their bids soon.
Bharat Forge’s Offerings
Bharat Forge, a key player in India’s defense manufacturing sector, is expected to present two strong contenders. The first is the 155 mm/52 calibre ultra-light howitzer (ULH), known as the Mountain Artillery Gun-Extended Range (MAG-ER). Weighing in at just 8 tons, this artillery system is designed to provide enhanced mobility and firepower in mountainous terrain. The second offering from Bharat Forge is the Bharat 52, another 155 mm/52 calibre gun system. Given its weight, which is under 15 tons, the Bharat 52 is likely to be a strong candidate for this tender as well.
AWEIL’s Contribution
The state-owned AWEIL will also be vying for the tender with a 155 mm/52 calibre towed gun based on the Dhanush 155 mm/45 calibre gun. The Dhanush has already proven itself in various trials and is an upgraded version of the Bofors FH77B gun. This new offering from AWEIL is expected to meet the Army’s stringent requirements for performance and reliability.
L&T-Nexter Partnership
L&T has partnered with French defense manufacturer Nexter to offer the TRAJAN 155/52 calibre towed artillery gun. The TRAJAN is a battle-proven system that combines Nexter’s artillery expertise with L&T’s manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration is expected to bring a highly capable and competitive product to the table.
Adani Defence’s Entry
Adani Defence and Aerospace is set to offer a towed variant of the ATMOS, a 155 mm/52 calibre truck-mounted howitzer. Known for its modularity and ease of deployment, the ATMOS system has garnered attention for its robust performance. Adani’s decision to propose a towed version aligns with the Army’s preference for versatile artillery systems that can be deployed across various terrains.
Tata’s Potential Participation
While Tata has not officially confirmed its participation in this tender, industry insiders speculate that the company might offer a toned-down variant of the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) that it has developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The ATAGS has already made headlines for its impressive range and accuracy, and a lighter version could be a strong contender in this competition.
The procurement of 400 155/52 calibre TGS is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities. With increasing focus on indigenous production under the “Make in India” initiative, this tender not only strengthens the country’s defense preparedness but also boosts the domestic defense industry.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on these defense giants as they submit their bids. The final selection will be based on a combination of technical capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to meet the Army’s operational requirements.