Indian Army to Test Indigenous Mounted Gun with 85-Second 'Shoot and Scoot' Ability
In its drive towards artillery modernization, the Indian Army is set to carry out field trials of an indigenous Mounted Gun System (MGS) with a quick "shoot and scoot" capability — firing and relocating within only 85 seconds. Such mobility at high speed is essential to avoid enemy counter-battery fire in high-intensity areas.
Assembled by the Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) of DRDO in Ahmednagar, the MGS derives its foundation from the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) and mounts a 155mm/52-calibre howitzer on a high-mobility platform. Firing at a rate of six rounds a minute and hitting targets at ranges of over 45 kilometers, the system has already established itself through successful firings in tests within the country at Balasore and Pokhran, with more than 100 successful trials.
The inbuilt indigenous content of the MGS is close to 85%, and the vehicle is loaded with cutting-edge features — from shock-absorbing stabilizers to a blast-proof armoured cabin, onboard silent electric power, and a digital fire control system. Built for rapid deployment and tactical maneuverability, it meets the operational requirements of mechanized forces.
Notably, the Indian Army sought initial user trials of the MGS developed by DRDO beyond the existing competitive bidding process initiated in 2023. The technology for this system has already been transferred to major rivals Bharat Forge, Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence (with an Israeli partner), and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd, which are all competing to provide 300 units of the MGS.
India's entire requirement is estimated to be 700–800 such systems, which are likely to be a major factor in adding mobility and firepower along sensitive borders. Tata and Bharat Forge are already contracted to supply 307 units of ATAGS under a ₹6,900 crore agreement signed in March 2025.
The MGS provides performance equivalent to internationally known systems such as the French CAESAR and Israeli ATMOS, both of which became well-known in the Russia-Ukraine war for their high mobility and survivability.
It is one of India's larger plans for modernizing its artillery with a focus on:
- Converting all artillery regiments to 155mm calibre,
- Inducting precision-guided long-range ordnance,
- Acquiring sophisticated and deadly types of ammunition,
- Augmenting target location and surveillance systems,
- Shortening the sensor-to-shooter time for quick response.
Additionally, India has signed a repeat order for the K9 Vajra-T self-propelled guns with Larsen & Toubro worth ₹7,629 crore in December 2024, reaffirming the commitment to indigenization. Except for the imported M777 ultra-light howitzers from the US, the Indian Army’s recent artillery procurements have primarily come from domestic manufacturers, further boosting the "Make in India" initiative in defence.
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