The Indian Army operates in unique and diverse terrains. Field testing of artillery systems is a crucial step for the Indian Army due to the unique and diverse terrain it operates in and the operational challenges it presents. 

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Artillery systems are positioned in challenging geographical terrains such as high-altitude mountains, deserts, jungles, plains, and coastal areas. 

In high-altitude regions such as Ladakh and Sikkim, rarefied air enhances artillery range but affects equipment calibration and the effectiveness of munitions. Moreover, extreme cold conditions impact system mobility, lubrication, and electronics. 

In desert areas, high temperatures and sandy conditions degrade mechanical components, directly impacting firing accuracy. Additionally, dust infiltration into sensitive parts requires robust sealing mechanisms. 

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Dense vegetation in jungle terrains affects line-of-sight targeting, complicating logistics. High humidity also contributes to greater wear and tear on equipment. 

Field trials simulate these conditions to ensure artillery systems like the ATAGS, K9 Vajra, and M777 perform reliably across all terrains. These trials are vital for operational readiness along India’s borders—especially the Line of Control (LC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC)—where rapid deployment and precision targeting are essential for sustained firepower. 

Given these operational considerations, field tests specifically validate the ‘shoot-and-scoot’ capabilities, enabling the Indian Army to avoid enemy counter-battery fire. 

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Moreover, field trials verify system performance against stringent benchmarks such as range, rate of fire, mobility, and precision. These evaluations inform artillery operators about optimal deployment strategies, ensuring system reliability during combat. Mobility trials, particularly on steep and narrow terrains, are also critical components of these tests. 

As part of the Army’s careful and thorough approach to inducting heavy weapons systems, even after contracts are signed, prototypes undergo rigorous validation before bulk production commences to guarantee reliability. 

Now, with the Indian Army increasingly emphasising indigenous procurement, field trials offer crucial feedback loops for manufacturers. This is evident from the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), developed by DRDO in collaboration with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL). The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently approved a ₹7,000 crore contract to procure 307 ATAGS and 327 gun-towing vehicles to equip 15 artillery regiments. Bharat Forge emerged as the lowest bidder (L-1) and will manufacture 60% of the guns, with TASL producing the remaining 40%. The contract is expected to be signed shortly. 

However, even after contracts are finalised, the Army ensures manufacturers' prototypes meet basic qualitative requirements (QRs). In the case of ATAGS, rigorous field trials—including winter trials in high-altitude regions of Sikkim and summer firing tests at Pokhran—ensured that the system achieved reliability and durability standards. Following a barrel burst during a 2020 trial, modifications were made to meet stringent safety standards, further emphasising the importance of these QRs. 

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The current status of various other artillery systems in which Bharat Forge has responded to requests for proposal (RFP) highlights the Army’s detailed and structured procurement strategy. 

155mm/52 Cal Mounted Gun System (MGS) -  The RFP was issued to Indian firms, including Bharat Forge, in July 2023. When scheduled field evaluations approached, all contenders requested an extension until December 2025 to produce their prototypes for evaluation. 

155mm/52 Cal Towed Gun System (TGS) - An RFP was issued in July 2024. The field evaluation of these guns by the Indian Army is scheduled for July 2025. 

Despite the export potential and overseas sales secured by indigenous artillery platforms like ATAGS, manufacturers must still meet the Army's stringent QRs before domestic induction. The Indian Army provides considerable support to defence manufacturers—including access to firing ranges, assistance for technical activities during firing trials to validate internal milestones, and opportunities for manufacturers to showcase their equipment to international clients. 

Bharat Forge’s participation across these artillery projects emphasises the growing role of private industry in India’s artillery modernisation drive, aligned with the vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 

The recently CCS-approved ₹7,000 crore procurement for 307 ATAGS, along with 327 gun-towing vehicles, significantly advances India's indigenous defence manufacturing capability. ATAGS, recognised for their accuracy, consistency, reliability, mobility, automation, and advanced all-electric drive technology, represent a major step towards enhancing India's artillery firepower. 

As evidenced by the protracted Russia-Ukraine war, the strategic necessity for long-range, high-volume firepower is clear. Consequently, the Indian Army has intensified its artillery modernisation, including recent procurements of rocket systems, loitering munitions, and other artillery platforms. The CCS clearance of the ATAGS contract aligns perfectly with this strategic direction, strengthening India's operational preparedness along critical borders. 

Rigorous and realistic field trials remain central to validating artillery performance, ensuring systems meet India's unique operational requirements while enabling indigenous platforms to match—and even surpass—foreign artillery systems in terms of reliability and effectiveness.