DRDO Achieves Milestone with MPATGM Test for Army Use

On Sunday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) reached a significant milestone by successfully launching the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at a moving target. This trial took place at the Kharjuna Khare (KK) Ranges in Maharashtra’s Ahilya Nagar district and is a vital step toward the missile's incorporation into the Indian Army.

As stated by DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Dr Samir V. Kamat, the missile functioned precisely as anticipated during the test. The target was hit and neutralized, validating the missile’s effectiveness and dependability. This accomplishment brings the MPATGM closer to becoming an operational asset for the Army.

The MPATGM represents a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile developed entirely in India. It features cutting-edge indigenous technologies, including an Imaging Infrared (IIR) guided seeker, an all-electric control system, an advanced fire control setup, a tandem warhead, a robust propulsion unit, and a high-performance sighting system. These technologies have been engineered by various DRDO labs, such as Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh.

To enhance the realism of the test, the Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur created a Thermal Target System mimicking an enemy tank. Official sources indicated that the missile's warhead is designed to penetrate modern main battle tanks, even those equipped with sophisticated defense systems. The MPATGM can be launched from either a tripod or a vehicle-mounted system, offering the armed forces enhanced versatility in various operational landscapes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised DRDO, its industrial collaborators, and everyone involved in the mission for the successful test, calling it a crucial move toward fortifying India’s defense capabilities as well as furthering the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative within the military sector.

The successful MPATGM test not only underscores India's advancing missile technology but also reflects its commitment to diminishing reliance on foreign defense hardware while developing top-tier systems domestically.