The DRDO scientist further added that the ATAGS concept design is ready. "It will weigh 12 tonnes — two tonnes lighter than other guns of its category. It will also be capable of shooting off five successive rounds in short duration. Total development will take three years and testing will last for another three. It's different from Bofors in kind and calibre, and I can say it will be the best of its kind once inducted into our force."
K N Rajan, Director, Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), said making of this gun is under mission mode, meaning it's made as per the specific requirements of the Indian Army, which was going through a post-Bofors lull regarding artillery guns. "The Army tried to acquire it from the international market but couldn't, due to delays and unfair means of getting contracts, due to which the ministry of defence approved the ATAGS project," he said.