Bharat Forge Receives Bulk Production Clearance for Indigenous ATAGS, Manufacturing to Begin in FY2026–27

Bharat Forge Limited has received Bulk Production Clearance (BPC) for the indigenously developed Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to modernise its artillery capabilities through domestic defence manufacturing. The clearance enables the company to advance towards serial production of the 155mm/52-calibre artillery system, which has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Indian private-sector defence manufacturers.

The Pune-based company confirmed the development in its financial results presentation submitted to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) on November 5, 2026. Bharat Forge stated that ATAGS manufacturing would commence during the financial year 2026–27, with revenue recognition beginning in the first quarter of FY2027–28.

The development represents an important transition for one of India’s major indigenous artillery programmes, moving from development and extensive evaluation towards the manufacture of operational equipment for the Indian Army. It also strengthens the participation of India’s private defence industry in producing advanced artillery systems designed to meet the Armed Forces’ long-term requirements.

Bharat Forge Confirms Bulk Production Clearance

In its Q2 and H1 FY2026–27 investor presentation, Bharat Forge announced that it had received Bulk Production Clearance for its ATAGS order, enabling the company to proceed with preparations for large-scale manufacturing.

Chairman and Managing Director B. N. Kalyani confirmed the development, stating that the company had received the clearance and expected revenue recognition from the first quarter of FY2027–28. The company also indicated that manufacturing activities would begin during the current financial year.

The clearance is particularly significant because it represents a transition from development and qualification activities to the production stage of a major indigenous defence programme. ATAGS has undergone extensive testing under different operational and environmental conditions as part of the Indian Army’s evaluation process.

The manufacturing schedule outlined by Bharat Forge provides greater clarity regarding the implementation of the Army’s artillery procurement programme. While manufacturing is expected to commence during FY2026–27, the recognition of revenue from the programme is scheduled to begin in the following financial year, reflecting the planned progression towards deliveries.

Indian Army’s ₹6,900-Crore Artillery Modernisation Programme

The latest development follows the Ministry of Defence’s decision to procure indigenous ATAGS artillery guns and associated towing vehicles as part of the Indian Army’s artillery modernisation programme.

On March 26, 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth approximately ₹6,900 crore with Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Advanced Systems Limited for the procurement of 155mm/52-calibre Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems and High Mobility Vehicle 6×6 Gun Towing Vehicles.

The overall procurement programme covers 307 ATAGS guns and 327 high-mobility towing vehicles intended to equip 15 artillery regiments of the Indian Army. Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems are the principal private-sector manufacturing partners associated with the artillery gun programme.

Bharat Forge’s share of the artillery gun order comprises 184 guns, representing approximately 60 per cent of the total requirement. The remaining guns are allocated to Tata Advanced Systems, reflecting the government’s approach of developing multiple domestic manufacturing capabilities for advanced artillery equipment.

The procurement is particularly important because it represents the Indian Army’s first major acquisition of towed artillery guns from the domestic private sector. The Ministry of Defence has identified the programme as an important step towards strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing while modernising the Army’s firepower.

ATAGS: India’s Indigenous 155mm Artillery System

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System is a 155mm/52-calibre artillery platform developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.

The artillery system has been designed to provide the Indian Army with extended-range firepower, improved accuracy and modern fire-control capabilities. Its 52-calibre barrel configuration supports long-range artillery operations, enabling Indian formations to engage targets at considerable distances using compatible 155mm ammunition.

According to the Ministry of Defence, ATAGS has a firing range exceeding 40 kilometres and incorporates advanced fire-control, precision-targeting, automated ammunition-handling and recoil-management technologies. These capabilities are intended to improve the effectiveness of artillery operations while reducing the operational burden on gun crews.

The system also incorporates modern electronic and mechanical subsystems designed to support rapid deployment, accurate targeting and sustained artillery operations. Its development reflects India’s growing ability to design and manufacture complex artillery platforms incorporating indigenous engineering and advanced defence technologies.

ATAGS has undergone extensive trials across different terrains and climatic conditions to evaluate its suitability for Indian Army requirements. These assessments have included the performance of the gun system under demanding operational conditions, contributing to its progression towards procurement and production.

Strengthening India’s Private-Sector Defence Manufacturing

The commencement of ATAGS production is an important development for India’s private defence manufacturing ecosystem. The programme demonstrates the ability of domestic companies to participate in the development and manufacture of complex military systems traditionally associated with government-owned defence production facilities.

Bharat Forge has expanded its presence in the defence sector through investments in artillery systems, ammunition, armoured vehicle components and other advanced military technologies. Its participation in ATAGS manufacturing represents one of the company’s major contributions to India’s indigenous artillery capabilities.

The programme also demonstrates the value of collaboration between government research institutions and private industry. DRDO’s role in developing the artillery system, combined with the manufacturing capabilities of Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, has created a domestic industrial framework for producing advanced artillery equipment.

Such collaboration supports the development of specialised manufacturing processes, precision engineering capabilities, quality-control systems and domestic supply chains. These capabilities are important not only for current artillery procurement requirements but also for future defence programmes involving complex mechanical and electronic systems.

The ATAGS programme therefore represents a significant step in establishing India’s private sector as an important contributor to the manufacture of major military platforms.

Bharat Forge’s Defence Order Book Reaches ₹10,960 Crore

The ATAGS production clearance comes amid the continued expansion of Bharat Forge’s defence manufacturing business.

In its November 5, 2026 investor presentation, the company reported a defence order book of approximately ₹10,960 crore at the end of the first half of FY2026–27. The company also reported new orders worth ₹2,107 crore across its businesses during the same period, including ₹681 crore in defence orders.

The substantial defence order book reflects Bharat Forge’s growing participation in domestic and international military manufacturing programmes. It also provides a foundation for the company’s planned expansion of production capabilities across artillery, ammunition and other defence-related technologies.

Bharat Forge has outlined a capital expenditure programme exceeding ₹2,000 crore across automotive, aerospace, defence, energetics, data-centre and semiconductor-related manufacturing activities. According to the company, these investments are expected to become operational in phases over the next 12 to 18 months.

The planned investments include additional capabilities in defence manufacturing and energetics, supporting the company’s broader strategy of expanding its presence in technologically advanced industrial sectors.

Advancing India’s Artillery Modernisation

The induction of ATAGS is intended to strengthen the Indian Army’s artillery regiments by introducing modern, domestically manufactured 155mm guns with improved range, accuracy and operational capabilities.

Artillery remains an essential component of land warfare, providing long-range fire support to infantry and mechanised formations while enabling military forces to engage targets beyond direct visual range. The effectiveness of artillery formations depends on the availability of reliable gun systems, modern fire-control equipment, suitable ammunition and efficient logistical support.

The ATAGS programme addresses these requirements through the development of an indigenous artillery platform incorporating advanced mechanical, electronic and fire-control technologies. Its production also establishes a domestic industrial base capable of supporting equipment maintenance, spare parts manufacturing and future technological improvements.

The procurement of 307 guns for 15 artillery regiments will contribute to the progressive replacement of older artillery equipment and strengthen the Army’s long-range firepower. The programme also complements India’s broader efforts to modernise military capabilities through indigenous equipment development and domestic manufacturing.

By relying on Indian companies for the production of a major artillery system, the programme supports greater control over manufacturing, technological development and long-term equipment support.

A Major Milestone for Indigenous Artillery Production

Bharat Forge’s receipt of Bulk Production Clearance for ATAGS marks an important stage in the development of India’s indigenous artillery manufacturing capabilities. The clearance provides the company with the basis to advance towards serial production under the Indian Army’s existing procurement programme.

With manufacturing scheduled to begin in FY2026–27 and revenue recognition expected from the first quarter of FY2027–28, the programme is entering a new phase focused on industrial production and the eventual supply of advanced artillery equipment to the Armed Forces.

The development also highlights the increasing contribution of India’s private defence industry to military modernisation. Through collaboration between DRDO, Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems, the ATAGS programme has established a domestic framework for developing and manufacturing a sophisticated artillery system.

As production activities progress, the programme will contribute to the strengthening of the Indian Army’s artillery capabilities while supporting India’s long-term objective of achieving greater self-reliance in the design, development and manufacture of advanced defence equipment.

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