The Indian Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has evaluated an armament system for an advanced towed artillery gun system (ATAGS) at Balasore, in the state of Odisha.

A test-firing was carried out during recent technical trials conducted at Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE).

The ATAGS project forms part of the Indian Army's artillery modernisation programme.

"DRDO aims to have the first fully integrated system ready for user trials by early 2017."

The armament system provides accuracy up to a range of 40km, and is equipped with a barrel, breech and recoil mechanisms, and a muzzle brake.

The 155mm, 52-calibre ATAGS is configured with electric drive to ensure maintenance-free and reliable operation over a longer period of time, DRDO said in a statement.

It will offer high mobility, quick deployability, an auxiliary power mode, advanced communication, and automatic command and control systems.

The towed artillery gun also provides night-firing capabilities in direct fire mode.

DRDO aims to have the first fully integrated system ready for user trials by early 2017.

The gun is being developed with participation of Bharat Forge, Tata Power Strategic Engineering Division and Mahindra Defence Naval System to meet Indian Army requirements, under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

ATAGS's design and development will be carried out by DRDO's Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune along with other DRDO laboratories in the country.