What is ATAGS, the indigenous howitzer used in Independence Day 21-gun salute?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is ATAGS, the indigenous howitzer used in Independence Day 21-gun salute?” published in Indian Express on 15th August 2022.

What is the News?

For the first time, an indigenously developed howitzer gun, ATAG became part of the 21-gun salute during the Independence Day ceremony at the Red Fort. 

What is ATAGS?

The ATAGS is an indigenous 155 mm x 52 calibre howitzer gun.

Note: Howitzers is an umbrella term for a category of long-range artillery guns.

Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) with its Pune-based facility Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) being the nodal agency.

Range: It is capable of hitting targets from 45 to 48 km.

Key Features: ATAGS mainly comprises a barrel, breech mechanism, muzzle brake and recoil mechanism. It is configured with an all-electric drive to ensure maintenance-free and reliable operation over a longer period of time. 

– It has advanced features in terms of high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system with night firing capability in the direct fire mode.

– It is also compatible with C4I (command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence) systems like the Artillery Combat Command and Control System(ACCCS) called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management and operational logistics management of the Army.

Note: The development process of ATAGS coincides with the development of the Howitzer Dhanush for Advanced Weapons and Equipment India of the erstwhile Ordnance Factory Board.