The Indian Army is on the verge of inducting a next-generation anti-tank guided weapon system following successful trials of an indigenously developed man-portable missile with advanced capability. The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s (DRDO) latest tests bring India closer to strengthening its anti-armour firepower and reducing dependence on foreign systems.
What Was Tested and Why It Matters
nOn 13 January 2026, India successfully conducted flight tests of a Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top-attack capability against a moving target. Tds variant was tested at the KK Ranges in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra, demonstrating the weapon’s effectiveness in engaging modern armoured threats.
Anti-tank guided weapons are a critical component of infantry anti-armour defence. They enable ground forces to destroy or neutralise main battle tanks and armoured vehicles from stand-off distances, increasing survivability and battlefield control.
The success of the tests paves the way for the system’s induction into the Indian Army, marking a major leap in indigenous firepower capabilities.
Indigenous Technology and Components
The test-fired weapon system integrates a suite of Indian innovations, including:
- Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker for target discrimination
- All-electric control actuation system for precise guidance
- Fire-control system and advanced sighting for improved targeting
- Tandem warhead capable of defeating modern armour
- Components developed by multiple DRDO establishments including Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (Chandigarh), and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (Pune)
Public-sector partners Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are the development-cum-production partners for this indigenous missile system.
Strategic Context: Why India Needs Advanced ATGMs
Modern battlefields increasingly depend on precision, mobility, and the ability to counter advanced armour. Regional competitors have already fielded third and fourth-generation anti-tank guided missiles with features such as fire-and-forget modes and top-attack profiles that can defeat reactive armour and active protection systems.
Until now, the Indian Army has relied largely on older generation ATGMs of foreign origin for its anti-armour needs. The successful development and forthcoming induction of indigenous systems like the MPATGM will:
- Increase tactical flexibility for infantry units
- Enhance anti-tank engagement range and lethality
- Reduce supply chain dependencies on imported weapons
- Contribute to India’s strategic push for self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat) in defence technology
What Comes Next
With successful tests completed, the focus now shifts to the formal induction process, which includes final trials, certification, and integration into Army units. The next-gen ATGM will eventually replace older missile systems and equip infantry battalions, airborne and specialised forces with a modern, effective anti-armour capability.
This development aligns with wider Indian Army modernisation initiatives, which also include plans to acquire Nag Mark 2 anti-tank guided missiles and related platforms for mechanised forces.
Closing Thoughts
The nearing induction of an indigenously developed anti-tank guided weapon represents a significant upgrade in India’s ground combat capabilities. As armoured threats evolve, so must the tools available to infantry and mechanised units. With domestic innovation at the core of this advancement, India moves closer to fielding a modernised and self-reliant anti-armour arsenal.