The DRDO-developed truck-mounted howitzer. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement)
New Delhi: The Indian Army is set to conduct comprehensive trials of an indigenously developed mounted gun system that promises to revolutionize artillery mobility with its rapid “shoot-and-scoot” capability, enabling the weapon to fire and relocate within 85 seconds.
The Defence Research and Development Organization, on Monday, announced that the 155mm/52 calibre truck-mounted howitzer has successfully completed internal trials and is ready for extensive field testing across diverse terrains and weather conditions. The system, weighing approximately 30 tonnes, has already fired over 100 rounds during rigorous testing at Balasore and Pokhran ranges, validating its operational reliability.
Senior DRDO officials confirmed that the mounted gun system has demonstrated exceptional mobility, transitioning from transport mode to firing position in just 80 seconds and relocating within 85 seconds after firing. This rapid deployment capability is crucial for modern battlefield survival, allowing artillery units to engage targets and evacuate before enemy counterbattery radars can pinpoint their location.
The trials, conducted by the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment in Ahmednagar, represent a significant milestone in India’s artillery modernization programme. The system has been developed using the ATAGS (advanced towed artillery gun system) platform as its foundation, leveraging technology from the ATAGS programme, which secured a ₹6,900 crore contract from the Army in March 2025.
The DRDO-developed truck-mounted howitzer. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement)
Key features and advantages of DRDO’s new mounted gun system
Technical superiority
The DRDO-developed mounted gun system is built on an 8x8 high-mobility vehicle platform manufactured by Bharat Earth Movers Limited using the Tatra chassis. The system incorporates approximately 85% indigenous content, supporting India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
The gun system features a maximum firing range of 45 kilometres with standard ammunition, extendable to 48 kilometres with specialized rounds. Its sustained rate of fire reaches six rounds per minute, with burst capability delivering three rounds in 30 seconds and 12 rounds in three minutes. The system’s elevation range spans from 0° to +72°, with an azimuth range of ±30°, and carries 24 projectiles with a bimodular charge system.
The vehicle platform generates 325 kilowatts of power through an eight-cylinder, V-type air-cooled diesel engine, achieving a power-to-weight ratio of 10 kilowatts per tonne. Its maximum speed reaches 90 kilometres per hour on roads and 60 kilometres per hour on rough terrain, with operational capability extending to altitudes of 4,800 metres and fording depths of 1.2 metres.
A fully armoured, blast-resistant cabin accommodates seven personnel, including driver, commander, gunner, and loader operators. The cabin provides protection against small arms fire and blast effects, ensuring crew safety during operations whilst maintaining full operational capability in hostile environments.
The DRDO-developed truck-mounted howitzer. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement)
Advanced fire control and automation
The system incorporates sophisticated fire control technology, including an automatic gun alignment and positioning system, integrated fire control computer with ballistic calculations, and a ring laser gyro-based inertial navigation system. Muzzle velocity radar enhances accuracy, while day and night direct firing capability is provided through thermal imaging systems.
All-electric drives handle gun laying, ammunition handling, and deployment operations, reducing maintenance requirements and improving field reliability. The system integrates seamlessly with the Army’s Artillery Combat Command and Control System “Shakti”, enabling coordination with existing fire control networks while maintaining compatibility with standard Nato 155mm ammunition and indigenous rounds.
Cost edge and strategic significance
The indigenous mounted gun system offers exceptional value compared to international alternatives, with unit costs approximately ₹15 crore ($1.74 million) significantly undercutting foreign competitors. For perspective, the French Caesar system costs $4.26 million, the Serbian Nora B-52 requires $7.06 million, and the Swedish Archer demands $10.41 million per unit.
The system’s development addresses lessons learned from contemporary conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, which demonstrated the critical importance of high-mobility artillery in modern warfare. The shoot-and-scoot capability directly addresses the vulnerability of static artillery positions to counterbattery fire, enhancing survivability in contested environments.
The Army’s total requirement is estimated at 700–800 mounted gun systems, with an initial order for 300 units currently under competitive bidding. The MGS programme runs parallel to this procurement process, indicating the force’s confidence in the DRDO-developed solution.
The DRDO-developed truck-mounted howitzer. (India Sentinels photo via special arrangement)
Operational deployment and logistics
The system is designed to operate across India’s diverse geographical conditions, from Rajasthan’s deserts to the high-altitude regions of Siachen and the northeastern hills. The gun system’s cross-country mobility and all-terrain capability make it suitable for deployment along sensitive border areas, while rail transportability across the Indian railway network and airlift capability using C-17 transport aircraft ensure rapid deployment to strategic locations.
Technology transfer agreements have been established with Bharat Forge Limited for series production, creating domestic manufacturing capacity that reduces dependence on foreign suppliers whilst building strategic autonomy in critical defence technologies.
The successful development and testing of the mounted gun system positions India among the select group of nations capable of designing and manufacturing advanced artillery systems, strengthening both defensive capabilities and export potential in the global defence market. The programme exemplifies India’s growing capability in indigenous defence manufacturing, contributing to the country’s emergence as a significant player in the international defence technology sector.
The trials are expected to conclude within the next six months, with potential induction into service following successful completion of all evaluation parameters. The system’s performance during these trials will determine its role in India’s artillery modernization strategy and potential for international export markets.
