DRDO and Indian Army successfully test portable anti-tank missile system, showcasing MPATGM capabilities

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has announced a successful test firing of its latest indigenous technology, the Man-Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). This key trial was held at the field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, as confirmed by officials.

Successful trial of anti-tank guided missile

Recently, the MPATGM system, consisting of the missile, a launcher, a Target Acquisition System, and a fire control unit, underwent rigorous warhead flight trials at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. The missile's performance and warhead's impact were both described as "remarkable," according to DRDO officials. The ATGM system is equipped for both day and night operations and boasts a top attack capability with dual mode seeker functionality, enhancing its effectiveness in tank warfare.

#WATCH | DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) successfully test-fired the Made-in-India Man-Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) at the field firing range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, recently: DRDO officials pic.twitter.com/J2AcG5LdiT

¡ª ANI (@ANI) August 13, 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the DRDO and Indian Army for these successful trials, highlighting them as "an important step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced technology-based defence system development."

What exactly are anti-tank guided missiles?

Anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) are sophisticated rockets used to destroy tanks and armored vehicles. They can be directed via various guidance systems like laser guiding, a television camera, or wire guiding. These missiles are versatile enough to be launched from aircraft, land vehicles, or even by infantry. Some of the most advanced models, like the U.S. Javelin, operate on "fire and forget" technology, allowing them to guide themselves to the target after launch.

The first ATGMs were introduced in the late 1950s with manual guidance systems, requiring significant skill and exposing operators to potential threats. However, by the mid-1960s, semiautomatic guidance systems reduced the operational challenge by requiring the operator to merely keep the weapon sight targeted while the missile flew. The most advanced ATGMs now feature high-arc trajectories that attack from above, a method that enhances their stealth and effectiveness.

India showcases domestic weapons at Tarang Shakti exercise

The DRDO also highlighted its range of indigenous weapon systems at the ongoing Tarang Shakti exercise at Tamil Nadu's Sulur. Samir V Kamat, Chairperson of DRDO, emphasized the significance of this event, which allows the DRDO to demonstrate its domestic weapons to the Indian Airforce.

Kamat also shared updates on the AMCA fighter jet, a 5.5 generation stealth aircraft, noting, "AMCA is the 5.5 generation fighter, it's a stealth aircraft, we have just started the development project, design is now complete and we hope to complete our development trials by 2034 and it should get inducted by 2035." He expressed optimism about the induction of these new technologies, aiming for India to achieve self-reliance soon.

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The Indian Air Force's participation in the exercise with aircraft like the LCA Tejas, Mirage 2000, and Rafale, alongside international allies, aims to strengthen strategic international relationships.

(With inputs from ANI)

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