SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a significant boost to India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, Bharat Forge Limited (BFL) has operationalized a massive new facility in Jejuri, near Pune, dedicated to the production of advanced indigenous artillery systems. The state-of-the-art 3 lakh sq. ft. plant, inaugurated on April 2, 2025, is set to become a cornerstone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense production, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
The facility will primarily focus on fulfilling orders from India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS), a cutting-edge 155mm howitzer designed to enhance the Indian Army’s artillery firepower and safeguard the nation’s vast borders.
The Jejuri facility, strategically located with excellent highway connectivity, proximity to key suppliers, and access to a highly skilled talent pool, is designed with a multi-model flexible layout and integrated testing capabilities. This world-class infrastructure positions the plant as a hub for manufacturing a diverse range of advanced defense systems, with the potential to scale up production to meet both domestic and international demand. Bharat Forge has invested heavily in this facility, anticipating large-scale defense contracts, and the plant is equipped to produce one ATAGS howitzer per day—a remarkable feat that underscores the company’s manufacturing prowess.
The ATAGS, a 155mm/52-calibre towed artillery system, is a product of collaboration between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private industry partners, including Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, the ATAGS has undergone rigorous trials since 2016, demonstrating exceptional performance in diverse conditions, from the deserts of Pokhran to the high-altitude regions of Sikkim. During trials in 2017, the ATAGS set a world record for a 155mm/52-calibre gun by achieving a firing range of 48.074 kilometers with high explosive-base bleed (HE-BB) ammunition, surpassing other artillery systems in its category at the time.
The Indian Army’s recent order for 307 ATAGS units, along with 327 6×6 high-mobility gun-towing vehicles, was formalized on March 26, 2025, following approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Valued at approximately ?6,900 crore (around US$770 million), the contract is split between Bharat Forge, which will manufacture 60% of the howitzers (184 units), and TASL, responsible for the remaining 40%. This order marks a significant milestone for India’s defense sector, as it is the first major domestic contract for the ATAGS, a system that has already garnered international interest, with exports to countries like Armenia, where six units were delivered in 2023, and an additional 84 units are under consideration following successful trials.
The ATAGS is designed to replace older, less capable artillery systems in the Indian Army, such as the 105mm and 130mm guns, offering enhanced range, firepower, and mobility. With a firing range of up to 48 kilometers, an all-electric drive for reliability, and advanced features like automated command and control systems, the ATAGS is poised to become a core component of India’s artillery doctrine. Its compatibility with C3I systems like the Artillery Combat Command and Control System (ACCCS) Shakti ensures seamless integration into the Army’s technical fire control, fire planning, and operational logistics management frameworks. The system’s ability to fire up to Zone 7 bi-modular charge systems and its quick deployment capabilities—transitioning from towing to firing mode in just two minutes—make it a formidable asset on the battlefield.
The Jejuri facility’s role extends beyond domestic production. Bharat Forge has already begun exporting the ATAGS to friendly nations, following approvals from the MoD, and the company is eyeing further opportunities in the global market. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, expressed optimism about the facility’s potential, stating that the defense export markets are opening up, with aspirations to supply advanced systems to global armed forces, including the US, French, and British armies. He highlighted the global shortage of defense manufacturing capacity, noting that while many countries possess the technology, they lack the infrastructure to produce at scale—a gap that Bharat Forge aims to fill with its Jejuri plant.
The operationalization of the Jejuri facility comes at a time when India is intensifying its focus on modernizing its artillery capabilities, driven by lessons from ongoing global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, which have underscored the importance of long-range, high-volume firepower. The Indian Army’s Field Artillery Rationalisation Plan (FARP), initiated in 1999, aims to acquire 2,800 155mm artillery guns by 2027, and the ATAGS is a critical component of this vision. The system’s induction is expected to enhance the Army’s operational capabilities across diverse terrains, from plains to high-altitude regions along the northern borders, where tensions with China have highlighted the need for robust artillery support.
NOTE : Article cannot be reproduced without written permission of idrw.org in any form even for YouTube Videos to avoid Copy right strikes. Websites doing illegal reproductions will get DMCA and Legal Notices.