SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Army is set to begin trials for the much-anticipated Mounted Gun Systems (MGS), with three contenders from India’s defence industry preparing to showcase their artillery solutions. The Army’s requirement for around 300 units of MGS has prompted significant competition between DRDO-Kalyani, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL).
DRDO, in collaboration with Kalyani Group, has developed a 155mm/52 calibre Mounted Artillery Gun System (MGS), which is already undergoing company trials. Mounted on a BEML-developed Tatra 8×8 chassis, the DRDO-Kalyani MGS is designed for high mobility, allowing the rapid deployment of artillery firepower in diverse terrains.
The system features a fully automated loading mechanism and advanced targeting systems, offering enhanced precision and firepower. The ongoing company trials include extensive mobility and firing tests, positioning the DRDO-Kalyani MGS as one of the top contenders in the Army’s search for a modern MGS platform. The Tatra chassis has proven reliability in the Indian Army, and its integration with the MGS provides a sturdy and agile base for the artillery system.
Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has entered the race with its Truck-Mounted Howitzer (TMH), based on its successful Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which has already been cleared by the Indian Army. The TMH uses the same 155mm/52 calibre gun as ATAGS, with improvements tailored for a mounted configuration.
Unlike DRDO-Kalyani’s solution, Tata’s TMH is mounted on a truck developed by TASL, powered by a Cummins engine, and designed for maximum operational flexibility and rapid mobility. While Tata’s TMH is still in development, the company expects to complete its prototype by early 2025, making it the last entrant into the trials. However, since the ATAGS gun is already cleared for procurement, Tata’s TMH has a distinct advantage in terms of proven reliability and performance.
State-run Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) is also in the race with its truck-mounted Dhanush 155mm/52 caliber artillery system. Mounted on a Tatra truck, the Dhanush system has already completed both its mobility and firing trials, demonstrating its readiness for the Army’s upcoming tests.
The Dhanush 155mm/52 calibre gun is an upgraded version of the Bofors FH-77, which has been in service with the Indian Army for decades. AWEIL’s mounted version incorporates modern technology, improving range, accuracy, and mobility. The system has already proven itself during mobility and firing trials, making it a serious contender for the Army’s MGS program.
Given the Army’s focus on interoperability and logistics, the use of the ATAGS gun across multiple platforms — as seen in the DRDO-Kalyani and Tata systems — could streamline the procurement process. The ATAGS has already been cleared for procurement by the Army, and its successful integration into these mounted systems would reduce the need for additional testing and training for Army personnel.
With all three contenders nearing or already completing company trials, the Indian Army’s evaluation phase will soon begin. The trials will assess each system’s performance in terms of mobility, firepower, and operational efficiency in challenging environments. Tata’s TMH, while the last to join the race, is expected to be ready in time for these trials and could benefit from the success of its ATAGS platform.
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