Bharat SainiLast Updated on April 13, 2019 by Bharat Saini
Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), incorporated with advanced features including state-of-the-art Imaging Infrared Radar (IIR) Seeker with integrated avionics – indigenously developed, low weight, fire, and forget – was successfully test fired by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in a major boost for Army in the ranges of Rajasthan desert on 13 and 14 March 2019. Missiles hit the designated targets precisely at different ranges in both the missions. All the mission objectives have been met.
DRDO had earlier successfully conducted in two rounds maiden trials of the indigenously developed third generation missile – MPATGM from Ahmednagar range in Maharashtra on 15 & 16 September 2018. The Missile in operational configuration was flight tested for its full range on Sunday16 September 2018.
“Two tests were intended for two different ranges. The missile performed as expected meeting all mission objectives successfully and validated its maximum range capability. The low-weight weapons work – on fire and forget principle and are known for its top attack capabilities.” “Apart from stand alone and warhead testing, the missile had undergone a series of tests including integrated static trial to characterise trust vector control. Performance of all systems and sub-systems were satisfactory during final trials”, said a defence official in New Delhi.
- MPATGM, best in its class in the world, is expected to replace second generation French origin anti-tank guided missile Milan and Soviet semi-automatic wire-guided missile Konkur, which are in service with the Army.
- MPATGM is a third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM), which has been developed by DRDO in partnership with Indian defence contractor VEM Technologies Ltd.
- The success of MPATGM, which is yet to get a formal name, is a major boost to the Make-in-India initiative.
- MPATGM has been developed for infantry troops of the Army
- MPATGM boasts a top attack capability and has a maximum engagement range of about 2.5 km.
- DRDO carried out the trial of the missile with 2-3 km strike range at night in Rajasthan desert.
- Missile capable of being fired from shoulder can be used during day and night.
- It weighs around 14.5 kg to maintain man portability and has a minimum lateral centre and gravity offset.
- Development of MPATGM was necessitated after the armed forces sought low-weight and man portable weapon systems as per battle ground requirements, although India has anti-tank guided missile Nag in its arsenal.
