5 shells per minute, range up to 48 km, know how Indian ‘Bofors’ will change the game
For its defence, India has approved the purchase of Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). For this, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved about Rs 7000 crore. With this, about 307 ATAGS will be purchased, which will be deployed on the borders with Pakistan and China.
Along with this, the Defense Ministry has approved the purchase of military equipment worth Rs 54 thousand crore, which includes Airborne Early Warning System, Varunastra torpedo and new engines for T-90 tanks. Let us know what is ATAGS, which is being called a game changer?
Can hit up to a distance of 48 km
ATAGS is the first gun that has been designed, developed and manufactured in India. This 155 mm artillery gun is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and has the ability to hit long distances. A 52 caliber long barrel has been installed in this artillery gun system. This increases its firing range to 48 km. The biggest feature of this gun is that it has been completely developed in India by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), Mahindra Defense Naval Systems, Bharat Forge Limited, Tata Power Strategic and Ordnance Factory Board.
Can fire five shells in a minute
Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System As the name suggests, it is a gun that can be pulled by a truck. It is also called a howitzer i.e. a small cannon. It is very light and can be deployed at a great height. Like the Bofors cannon, these cannons can also move to some distance on their own after firing a shell. That is why they are also called Swadeshi Bofors. They can work in temperatures ranging from -35 to 75 degrees Celsius. Five shells can be fired from them in every minute. It has automatic mode firing and communication system.
Dependence on imports will decrease
Developed in collaboration with indigenous private partners, more than 65 percent of the components installed in this gun are indigenous. These include barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake, firing and recoil system to ammunition handling mechanism. Its navigation system, sensor and muzzle velocity radar have also been developed in our country. Due to this, it will not only strengthen India’s defense industry, but will also reduce dependence on imports. Being equipped with indigenous systems, there will be no worry about the spare parts of these guns and there will be no need to depend on anyone for repairs.
Testing began in 2013
ATAGS will replace the old 105 mm and 130 mm guns. These will be deployed on the western and northwestern borders of the country, which will further strengthen our security forces. Actually, the development of ATAGS was started in the year 2013. Its first successful test was done on 14 July 2016. In 2017, these guns were also included in the Republic Day parade. In June 2021, they were also successful in testing at an altitude of 15 thousand feet.
Claim: No country in the world has such a cannon
These guns are not being called game changers for nothing. A DRDO scientist claims that ATAGS is the best gun in the world and even a country like Israel does not have a gun of this capability. Not only China and Pakistan, no other country has been able to manufacture a gun with such firing capability on high technology like ATAGS. It is capable of striking at the longest distance in the world, up to 48 km. Therefore, the enemy can be destroyed without even going close to him.
