New Delhi: DRDO MP-ATGM is set to become one of India’s most important indigenous anti-tank weapons after more than a decade of research, testing, and improvements. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the missile is expected to strengthen the Indian Army’s infantry by replacing ageing imported anti-tank missile systems with an advanced, home-grown solution.
Details of DRDO MP-ATGM
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) began work on the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM) in 2015. The aim was to build a lightweight, third-generation missile that soldiers can carry and launch without needing a vehicle.
The missile is designed to replace imported French MILAN and Russian Konkurs anti-tank missiles that have served the Indian Army for many years.
What Makes the DRDO MP-ATGM Special
The MP-ATGM is a fire-and-forget missile. Once fired, it automatically tracks and destroys its target. This allows soldiers to immediately move to a safer position after launch instead of remaining exposed while guiding the missile.
The missile also features top-attack capability, meaning it strikes tanks from above, where armour protection is generally weaker.
What are the Features of DRDO MP-ATGM
- Third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.
- Man-portable system designed for infantry soldiers.
- Top-attack capability against modern battle tanks.
- Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker for accurate targeting.
- Tandem warhead capable of defeating Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
- Indigenous fire control and propulsion systems.
- Designed and developed entirely in India.
Development Journey of DRDO MP-ATGM: From 2015 to 2026
- The project received official approval in 2015.
- The first successful flight trials took place in September 2018, where two consecutive launches validated the missile’s flight performance and guidance system.
- In March 2019, the missile successfully hit a target at a distance of around 2.5 km.
- Development slowed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but DRDO resumed testing in 2021 with improved indigenous technologies, including a miniaturised Imaging Infrared seeker.
- In January 2022, the missile successfully completed another important trial in its final deliverable configuration.
- Further field evaluations continued during 2023 at Kurnool and in April 2024 at Pokhran, where the missile demonstrated its ability to penetrate modern armour protected by Explosive Reactive Armour.
- The latest milestone came in January 2026, when DRDO successfully tested the missile against a moving target at KK Ranges in Maharashtra, confirming its top-attack capability and operational performance.
What is the Advanced Tandem Warhead
Modern battle tanks often use Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), which explodes outward to reduce the impact of incoming missiles. The MP-ATGM uses a tandem warhead to overcome this protection.
The first charge destroys the ERA, while the second charge penetrates the main armour underneath, increasing the missile’s effectiveness against advanced tanks.
Indigenous Technology Behind the Missile
According to the Ministry of Defence, the MP-ATGM incorporates several advanced Indian-developed technologies, including:
- Imaging Infrared (IIR) Homing Seeker
- Fire Control System
- All-Electric Control Actuation System
- Tandem Warhead
- Indigenous Propulsion System
- High-Performance Sighting System
These technologies were developed by multiple DRDO laboratories across India.
Why the MP-ATGM Is Important for India
The missile supports India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by reducing dependence on imported anti-tank weapons. Once inducted, it will improve the Indian Army’s battlefield capability while strengthening India’s domestic defence manufacturing ecosystem. Its induction also reflects years of successful indigenous research, development, and testing by DRDO.
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