India recently conducted successful warhead flight trials of the indigenous Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan. Describing the missile and warhead performance as “remarkable,” the Ministry of Defence (MoD) highlighted the achievement in a statement.
Designed and developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the MPATGM weapon system underwent field evaluations in various flight configurations to demonstrate its technological prowess. Comprising the MPATGM, Launcher, Target Acquisition System, and Fire Control Unit, the system aimed to validate its capabilities under different scenarios.
According to an MoD official, numerous missile firing trials have been successfully conducted to meet the operational requirements specified in the general Staff Qualitative Requirements (Infantry, Indian Army). The completion of penetration trials for the Tandem Warhead System of MPATGM confirmed its capability to defeat modern armor-protected Main Battle Tanks.
The official further emphasized the ATGM system’s versatility, equipped with day, night, and top attack capabilities, along with a dual-mode seeker functionality enhancing its effectiveness in tank warfare. With the successful technology development and demonstration, the system is now poised for the Final User Evaluation Trials before its induction into the Indian Army.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the Defence Research Development Organisation and the Army for the successful trials, considering it a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced technology-based defence systems. DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat extended congratulations to the teams involved in the trials for their efforts and achievements.
