India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has flight-tested its indigenously developed Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).
During the test conducted last week in the country’s south, the missile struck a designated target and destroyed it. The MPATGM has a maximum range of 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles).
The defense ministry said the anti-tank missile was flight-tested in its final “deliverable configuration,” and all test objectives were met.
Equipped with #IIRSeeker & advanced #Avionics #ManPortableATGM was flight tested for reliability & efficacy today. The missile hit the target with pin point accuracy. @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD #AmritMahotsav#AtmaNirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/vDpKlP6xoj
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) January 11, 2022
“The indigenously developed anti-tank missile is a low weight, fire & forget missile and is launched from a man portable launcher, integrated with thermal sight,” the defense ministry said in a statement.
“The missile has miniaturized infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics for on-board control and guidance,” it added.
India’s Expansion of Anti-Tank Missiles
India is developing anti-tank missiles variant fired from land, air, and sea.
Last month, the DRDO and Indian Air Force flight-tested a helicopter-launched Stand-Off Anti-Tank missile equipped with a millimeter-wave seeker. The state-of-the-art technology delivers precision strikes from a safe distance and can strike targets at a range up to 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
In March 2021, the defense ministry also signed a deal with state-owned Bharat Dynamics Limited to procure 4,960 MILAN-2T Anti-Tank Guided Missiles for the military at a cost of Rs 1,188 crore ($160 million).
The missile can strike targets at a range of 1,850 meters (1.14 miles) from ground and vehicle-based launchers.
India’s Current Arsenal
India already possesses Nag missiles that can be launched from its Nag Missile Carrier. The missile has a range of four to seven kilometers (2.5-4.3 miles). The third-generation missile can destroy all types of tanks.
The Asian nation also possesses the Helina, the helicopter-based variant of the Nag that can be mounted on the Dhruv advanced light helicopter. Trials of the weapon system were conducted last year, and it is being inducted into the country’s armed forces. It can strike targets up to a range of seven kilometers (4.3 miles).
Imports From Israel
In 2020, India placed a second order for Israel’s Spike anti-tank guided missile to strengthen its borders. It already ordered 12 Spike launchers and 250 missiles from Israel in 2019, a few months after tensions broke out at its border with Pakistan.
With its second order, India will procure an additional 12 Spike launchers and 250 missiles. The fourth-generation missile can attack targets with precision up to a range of seven kilometers (2.5 miles).
It can be installed on light combat vehicles and be used to attack tanks, armored vehicles, low flying targets like helicopters, and hardened shelters.
