New Delhi: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a major milestone in indigenous defence innovation with the successful flight test of a third-generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) featuring advanced top-attack capability against a moving armoured target, marking a significant boost to the country’s anti-tank warfare readiness and self-reliance in defence systems.
The flight test was conducted on January 11, 2026, at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, by DRDO’s Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. The test validated the missile’s ability to engage and neutralise a moving target, paving the way for potential induction into the Indian Army’s operational arsenal.
What is Third Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Missile
Designed as a third-generation “fire-and-forget” missile, the MPATGM does not require operator guidance once launched — a critical advantage over earlier systems that needed continuous steering inputs. This enables operators to fire the missile and immediately relocate to safety.
The highlight of the recent trial was the missile’s top-attack flight profile. In this attack mode, the missile ascends before descending onto a target’s upper surface — typically the weakest armour area of modern tanks — enhancing hit probability against heavily armoured vehicles.
Advanced Indigenous Technologies Powering the MPATGM
The MPATGM incorporates several cutting-edge technologies developed collaboratively by multiple DRDO laboratories:
- Imaging Infrared (IIR) Homing Seeker: Enables precision target acquisition and lock-on, capable of operating in both day and night conditions.
- All-Electric Control Actuation System: Improves reliability and reduces mechanical failure risk.
- Fire Control System & High-Performance Sighting: Enhances operator accuracy and battlefield awareness.
- Tandem Warhead: Engineered to penetrate reactive armour and main armour sequentially, improving lethality.
- High-Thrust Indigenous Propulsion: Ensures sufficient range and velocity for man-portable operations.
Development contributions were made by DRDO partner labs including Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (Chandigarh), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (Pune), and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (Dehradun).
A Thermal Target System developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, simulated a tank’s heat signature, enabling realistic target engagement during the trial.
Third Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Missile Test
The latest MPATGM test demonstrated that the missile not only tracked but accurately intercepted a moving armoured target, effectively engaging at speed and delivering a precise top-attack strike.
This is a significant capability improvement, as modern battlefield scenarios increasingly involve mobile armoured threats.
The test confirmed the missile’s performance across key parameters — from lock acquisition to flight dynamics and warhead detonation.
These results align with the design criteria and move the system closer to operational readiness.
Deployment Versatility and Integration Options
The MPATGM is designed for flexible deployment:
Tripod Launchers: For infantry units in varied terrain.
Vehicle-Mounted Launchers: To integrate with mechanised formations for rapid response.
The weapon’s lightweight and man-portable form factor enhances deployability for mechanised infantry, special forces, and rapid assault units.
What is the Importance of Third Generation Man-Portable Anti-Tank Missile
India faces evolving armoured threats across potential theatres — from high-altitude regions to mechanised plains. Indigenous development of advanced anti-tank guided missiles like the MPATGM enhances the nation’s strategic autonomy, reduces dependency on imported systems, and strengthens India’s defence industrial ecosystem.
The successful trial also aligns with the broader “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative, reinforcing India’s emphasis on homegrown defence technologies developed with minimal foreign reliance.
Path to Induction and Future Prospects
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and its industrial partners on the successful trial, calling it a significant contribution to India’s defence capabilities. DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V. Kamat noted that results from the test bring the MPATGM closer to induction into the Indian Army, with user trials expected ahead of formal operational deployment.
Production scalability will be supported by industry partners Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), who will manage manufacturing and system integration respectively.
