Made in India: Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile Gears Up for Final User Trials
Indian soldiers will soon get their hands on a new, indigenous weapon – the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). After successful developmental trials conducted in April, the MPATGM is now ready for the final stage of testing before induction into the armed forces.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the MPATGM is a significant step towards self-reliance in defense equipment. This third-generation missile boasts several key features:
- Man-portable: Designed to be carried by a single soldier, the MPATGM offers increased mobility on the battlefield.
- Anti-tank capability: Equipped with a powerful tandem warhead, the missile can penetrate even modern armored tanks.
- Day and night operation: The MPATGM’s seeker allows soldiers to achieve effective target engagement in both day and night conditions.
- Top-attack capability: A crucial feature for modern anti-tank missiles, the MPATGM can strike targets from above, defeating their heaviest armor. This makes it highly effective against even heavily fortified enemy positions.
15 Missiles to be made for trials
News of the successful developmental trials has been met with enthusiasm. The DRDO has released a tender for 15 uncooled Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) seeker units, indicating that 15 MPATGM systems will be produced for the final user evaluation trials. These trials will involve soldiers putting the missile through its paces in real-world scenarios, providing valuable feedback before its official induction.
The successful development of the MPATGM is a testament to India’s growing prowess in indigenous defense technology. This weapon system will provide Indian soldiers with a vital edge on the battlefield, enhancing their ability to counter armored threats.
