India tests 155mm self-propelled gun that can fire and run

The Indian Army is gearing up to conduct extensive trials of its indigenously developed new Vehicle Mounted Gun System (MGS), a 155mm/52 caliber truck-mounted howitzer designed for rapid deployment and high mobility in modern combat situations.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Vehicle Research and Development Establishment (VRDE) in Ahmednagar, the MGS is based on the Advanced Towed Artillery System (ATAGS), which is currently on order to modernise the Army's artillery regiments.

The system can switch from moving mode to firing mode in 80 seconds and back to moving mode in 85 seconds, allowing rapid firing and movement to avoid enemy counter-fire. It can fire six rounds per minute and engage targets at a range of more than 45 km, with high accuracy and stability.

Mounted on an 8x8 high mobility vehicle, the MGS is equipped with shock-absorbing stabilizers, an explosion-proof armored cabin, a silent on-board power supply and an integrated electronic control unit.

This configuration allows for rapid deployment and is suitable for mechanized forces' mobility, making the vehicle suitable for a variety of terrains, including deserts and high altitude areas.

The MGS boasts of up to 85% indigenous components, reflecting India's push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Features include an automatic gun alignment and positioning system, automatic ammunition handling and a modern fire control system, which reduces crew workload and speeds up operations.

The MGS has successfully completed internal trials at Balasore and Pokhran, firing over 100 rounds and proving its reliability and performance. The Army has requested VRDE to provide the system for extensive trials across various terrains and weather conditions.

A competitive bidding process is underway for the 300 vehicle-mounted gun systems. Companies such as Bharat Forge Limited, Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Defence (with an Israeli partner) and Advanced Weapons Equipment India Ltd. are vying for the order.

DRDO has transferred the MGS technology to Bharat Forge Limited for production and the Army is expected to require 700–800 such guns to enhance the mobility and firepower of its artillery. The induction of the MGS is part of a broader artillery modernisation drive, which also includes systems such as Dhanush, ATAGS, K9 Vajra and towed artillery systems.

The Army's strategy, shaped by lessons from recent conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, emphasizes mobility, rapid deployment, precision and survivability of artillery units.

The new MGS, with its hit-and-run capabilities, is expected to significantly improve the Army's ability to conduct fast, powerful strikes and avoid enemy retaliation, especially in conflict environments.

The MGS trials are a major step forward in the Army's efforts to deploy advanced, indigenous artillery systems that can operate effectively across India's diverse geographies, while reducing dependence on foreign imports and boosting domestic defence production.