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DRDO Unveils Indigenous Mounted Gun System: All-Terrain Firepower with Advanced Crew Protection

On July 7, 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) unveiled its cutting-edge Indigenous 155mm/52 Calibre Mounted Gun System (MGS) in Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra, marking a significant milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. Developed by DRDO’s Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in collaboration with Indian industries, Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), and premier academic institutions, the MGS is a truck-mounted artillery system designed to deliver rapid, high-mobility firepower across diverse terrains. With its advanced crew protection features and “shoot and scoot” capability, the MGS promises to revolutionize the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities. This blog explores the system’s features, strategic significance, and the road ahead, drawing from recent reports and expert insights.

The Mounted Gun System: A Game-Changer for Artillery

The MGS is a fully indigenous, truck-mounted heavy artillery system based on the 155mm/52 calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), which has already been cleared for procurement by the Indian Army. Mounted on a high-mobility 8x8 BEML-developed Tatra chassis, the MGS combines the ATAGS’s superior firepower with exceptional mobility, making it a versatile platform for modern warfare. The system, weighing approximately 30 tons (15 tons for the vehicle and 15 tons for the gun), can accommodate a crew of seven in a fully bulletproof cabin, ensuring enhanced protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.

Key Features of the MGS

• Rapid Deployment and Mobility: The MGS can be deployed in just 80 seconds and relocated in 85 seconds, enabling swift “shoot and scoot” operations to evade enemy counterfire. It achieves speeds of 60 km/h in rough terrain and up to 90 km/h on plains, with capabilities for gradient climbing, side slope navigation, and trench crossing.
• Firepower and Range: Equipped with a 155mm/52 calibre gun, the MGS boasts a maximum firing range of 45 km and a firing rate of six rounds per minute, making it one of the most potent systems in its class. Its fully automated loading mechanism and advanced targeting systems ensure high precision.
• All-Terrain Capability: Designed for cross-country mobility, the MGS excels in diverse environments, from deserts to high-altitude regions like Siachen and the northeastern hills. It is rail- and air-transportable (via C-17 aircraft), allowing rapid repositioning across operational theaters.
• Crew Protection: The bulletproof cabin provides robust protection for the seven-member crew, addressing a critical need in high-intensity conflict zones.
• Indigenous Design: Over 80% of the MGS’s components, including ammunition and the vehicle, are indigenously developed, reducing reliance on foreign imports and boosting India’s defence export potential.

G Ramamohana Rao, Director of VRDE, emphasized the system’s uniqueness: “This is a 155mm/52 calibre gun. Such guns already exist, but they are towed separately and take time to deploy. Our MGS is different. It is quick, just 80 seconds to deploy and 85 seconds to move. It is fully made in India and can also be exported to other countries.”

Development and Collaboration

The MGS was developed in just two and a half years by VRDE, with significant contributions from Indian industries like Bharat Forge Limited, Tata Advanced Systems Limited, and state-run Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL). The project also involved premier academic institutions, showcasing a collaborative model under DRDO’s leadership. The system has undergone proof testing and field trials, with technologies, design, processes, and Quality Assurance Plans (QAP) finalized. Bharat Forge has been nominated as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP), paving the way for mass production.

The MGS builds on the success of the ATAGS, a 155mm/52 calibre towed artillery gun already ordered by the Ministry of Defence in March 2025 through contracts worth ₹6,900 crore for 307 units. The integration of ATAGS into the MGS ensures interoperability and logistical efficiency, as the Indian Army is already familiar with the gun’s performance.

Strategic Significance

The MGS addresses a critical technology gap in high-mobility artillery, enabling the Indian Army to match the pace of mechanized forces in dynamic battlefields. Its “shoot and scoot” capability allows it to deliver precise strikes and relocate before retaliatory fire, a crucial advantage in modern warfare where rapid response and survivability are paramount. The system’s ability to operate in challenging terrains, such as deserts and mountainous regions, makes it ideal for India’s diverse border environments, including the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The MGS also strengthens India’s defence export potential. As a fully indigenous system, it aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance and could attract interest from friendly nations seeking cost-effective, high-performance artillery solutions. DRDO’s focus on export-readiness positions the MGS as a competitive player in the global defence market.

Upcoming Trials and Procurement

The Indian Army is set to begin extensive user trials of the MGS in various terrains and weather conditions to evaluate its performance. These trials will assess mobility, firepower, and operational efficiency, with the DRDO-Kalyani MGS competing alongside contenders from Tata Advanced Systems (Truck-Mounted Howitzer) and AWEIL (Dhanush-based system). The Army’s requirement for approximately 300 MGS units underscores the system’s importance in modernizing its artillery fleet. The use of the ATAGS platform across multiple contenders could streamline procurement and training, enhancing operational readiness.

The MGS’s development comes at a time when the Indian armed forces are leveraging emergency procurement powers to acquire indigenous systems rapidly. In June 2025, DRDO offered 28 weapon systems, including the MGS, for emergency procurement worth up to ₹300 crore per product, reflecting the urgency to bolster military capabilities amid ongoing operations like Operation Sindoor.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the MGS represents a significant achievement, challenges remain. DRDO has faced criticism for budgetary constraints and synchronization issues with the armed forces’ evolving needs. Ensuring timely production and deployment will be critical to meeting the Army’s operational requirements. Additionally, the MGS must prove its reliability under rigorous field conditions to secure large-scale orders.

Looking ahead, the MGS could pave the way for further innovations in India’s artillery systems. DRDO’s ongoing work on directed-energy weapons (DEWs), hypersonic missiles, and unmanned platforms suggests a broader vision for integrating advanced technologies into the armed forces. The success of the MGS could also inspire confidence in India’s domestic defence industry, encouraging private-sector participation in future projects.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the Indigenous Mounted Gun System on July 7, 2025, marks a proud moment for India’s defence ecosystem. With its unmatched mobility, firepower, and crew protection, the MGS is poised to enhance the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities while reinforcing the nation’s commitment to self-reliance. As the system prepares for user trials and potential export opportunities, it stands as a testament to DRDO’s innovation and India’s growing prowess in defence technology. The MGS not only addresses a critical operational need but also positions India as a formidable player in the global defence landscape.

Sources: India Today, Business Today, The Week, NewKerala.com, Hindustan Times, ANI, DRDO Official Website
Posted on July 9, 2025