SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Kalyani Strategic Systems Limited (KSSL), a subsidiary of Bharat Forge under the Kalyani Group, has expressed interest in developing a 155mm/52-caliber tracked self-propelled howitzer (SPH) based on the indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). This move follows the company’s successful development of a truck-mounted 155mm/52-caliber gun system, the Multi-terrain Artillery Gun (MArG), and signals its ambition to expand its artillery portfolio for both the Indian Army and the global export market.
The ATAGS, a 155mm/52-caliber towed howitzer, is a flagship project of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), developed in collaboration with KSSL and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). Known for its world-class range of 48 km, advanced automation, and high rate of fire, the ATAGS has already secured a ?7,000 crore (US$830 million) contract for 307 units to equip 15 Indian Army artillery regiments, with KSSL manufacturing 60% of the order. The system’s advanced features, including a fully digital control system, auto-loading mechanism, and compatibility with NavIC-guided smart ammunition, make it an ideal foundation for a tracked SPH variant.
Kalyani’s experience with the ATAGS and its truck-mounted MArG system provides a robust technological base for developing a tracked SPH. The MArG, unveiled at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi, is a 155mm/45-caliber system mounted on a 4×4 high-mobility vehicle, offering a range of over 36 km and rapid deployment capabilities. The proposed tracked SPH would combine the ATAGS’s firepower with the mobility and survivability of a tracked platform, catering to the Indian Army’s need for versatile, all-terrain artillery systems and appealing to export customers seeking modern, self-propelled solutions.
Kalyani Group’s interest in developing a tracked SPH is not limited to domestic needs. The company has a strong track record in the export market, having secured a $155.5 million order for 155mm artillery systems from an unnamed country (reportedly Armenia) in 2022 and showcasing its systems to nations like the Philippines. The ATAGS-based SPH could appeal to international customers seeking cost-effective, high-performance artillery systems, especially in regions with rugged terrains where tracked platforms offer superior mobility compared to towed or wheeled systems.
While Kalyani’s ambition is clear, the choice of tracked platform remains undisclosed, posing a key challenge. The company could opt for an indigenous platform, potentially developed in collaboration with DRDO or partners like Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML), which provides the 8×8 High Mobility Vehicle for the truck-mounted ATAGS variant. Alternatively, Kalyani may explore partnerships with global firms, similar to L&T’s collaboration with Hanwha Defense, to integrate the ATAGS gun with a proven tracked chassis. The development timeline, cost, and ability to meet the Indian Army’s weight and mobility requirements (preferably under 15 tons for towed systems, though SPHs may have different criteria) will be critical factors.
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