Key Highlights
- On 11 January 2026, DRDO completed a successful flight‑test of the Man‑Portable Anti‑Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) against a moving target at the KK Ranges, Maharashtra.
- The missile proved its top‑attack trajectory and fire‑and‑forget operation, striking the target without further operator input.
- Integration of an Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, all‑electric control actuation, and a tandem warhead underscores indigenous technological depth.
- The test moves the system nearer to induction into Indian Army units, reinforcing self‑reliant anti‑tank capabilities.
Detailed Insights
The MPATGM belongs to the third generation of anti‑tank guided missiles and is designed for dismounted deployment. Its fire‑and‑forget architecture enables soldiers to launch the missile and immediately seek cover, as the onboard guidance autonomously homes onto the target. The top‑attack profile targets the relatively thin armor on the turret roof, a vulnerability of modern main battle tanks. During the trial, the missile engaged a mobile dummy tank, demonstrating accurate target acquisition both day and night thanks to the IIR homing seeker.
Key subsystems include an all‑electric control actuation mechanism that reduces mechanical wear, a robust fire‑control unit for rapid lock‑on, and a tandem warhead capable of neutralising explosive reactive armor (ERA). The propulsion package delivers the required range while maintaining a low launch signature, and the sighting system provides the operator with real‑time launch data.
This milestone aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat agenda by curbing reliance on foreign anti‑tank solutions and expanding the army’s lethality against armored threats.
Key Concepts
- Top‑Attack Capability: A flight path that descends onto the target from above, striking the least protected section of a tank.
- Fire‑and‑Forget: Once released, the missile autonomously follows its pre‑programmed guidance without any further operator commands.
- Imaging Infrared (IIR) Seeker: A sensor that creates a thermal image of the target, enabling precise tracking in all lighting conditions.
- Tandem Warhead: A two‑stage explosive designed to defeat reactive armor before the main charge penetrates the hull.
- All‑Electric Control Actuation System: Electrically driven steering and throttling components that enhance reliability and lower maintenance demands.