Indian Army Completes Trials of New MPATGM Anti-Tank Missile System.

The Indian Army has recently completed successful field trials of its new man-portable anti-tank guided missile system (MPATGM), designed and developed domestically. The trials pave the way for its integration into the military's arsenal. The system was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and successfully tested the warhead flight at the Pokhran Field Range in Rajasthan on April 13, 2024.
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The Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) Weapon System, which was designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), has undergone field evaluations in various flight configurations (Picture source: Indian MoD)

The comprehensive system includes the MPATGM, launchers, a target acquisition device, and a fire control unit. It has been tested in various flight configurations on the field to demonstrate its technological superiority, according to the Ministry of Defence.

A sufficient number of missile firing trials were conducted successfully to meet the complete operational envelope as required by the General Staff Qualitative Requirements. "The penetration trials of the MPATGM's tandem warhead system have been completed, proving it capable of defeating modern armored main battle tanks," stated the Indian Minister of Defence.

The MPATGM, a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile, is derived from India's Nag ATGM. Initiated in 2015, this missile system was developed in partnership with the Indian defense contractor VEM Technologies Private Limited. It features a cylindrical shape with a length of 130 cm and a diameter of 12 cm, equipped with two sets of four radial fins, with the larger ones in the middle and the smaller ones at the tail. The missile is fitted with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead and is launched from a tube made of aluminum and carbon fiber to minimize weight. The launch unit, weighing 14.25 kg, incorporates a laser designator with an all-weather digital sight and has an effective range of 200 to 4,000 meters.

On December 20, 2017, India canceled a major deal to acquire Israeli Spike ATGMs in favor of the DRDO's MPATGM, deeming technology transfer unnecessary. However, the deal was reauthorized during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit in January 2018 but was canceled again in June 2019 after DRDO committed to delivering the MPATGM by 2021. Meanwhile, the Indian Army purchased a limited number of Spike missiles to satisfy immediate needs until the MPATGM was ready. The user trials of the MPATGM, initially planned for completion by 2020, were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upon induction, the MPATGM will replace second-generation MILAN and 9M113 Konkurs ATGMs used by the infantry, parachute, and special forces.

Defense News April 2024