As India commemorates 75 years of independence with the grand ‘Aazadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ the country anticipates Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisting the flag at the Red Fort on August 15, as is customary. However, the ceremony will be different this time, as a testament to India’s growing capacity and capabilities.
First time a home-grown howitzer gun will be used
For the first time, a home-grown howitzer gun, the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) prototype, developed as part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, will be used for the ceremonial 21-gun salute at Red Fort. The entirely indigenous gun, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), will fire the traditional 21-gun salute alongside the British guns. The gun has been customised for the ceremony, with technical specifications altered.
Advanced features of the ATAGS
The ATAGS is a 48-kilometer-range 155mm calibre gun system with advanced features such as high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system, and night capability in direct-fire mode. It’s a world-class system that powers Zone 7’s bi-modular charge system. No other gun in the world has that capability as of yet.
“Normally, seven guns are used for 21 shots in the 21-gun salute. These are all iconic British guns. This time, we will use the indigenous Howitzer for one of the 21 shots,” said RP Pandey, Scientist G, at DRDO. “This specialised gun system is compatible with C4I systems like the Artillery Combat Command and Control System called Shakti for technical fire control, fire planning, deployment management, operational logistics management of the Indian Army,” he added.
Bharat Forge and Tata Power SED manufacture the gun. The DRDO has created ten prototypes as part of a project that began in 2013 to replace older guns in service with the Indian Army.
The gun has previously been tried and tested and has been assigned to the Red Fort premises for necessary drills. For the time being, officers assigned to the mission are looking forward to D-Day.
