Successful Test of Anti-Tank Guided Missile

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, successfully conducted the flight test of the third-generation fire-and-forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) on January 11, 2026. The test was carried out at the KK Range in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.

The indigenously developed MPATGM features advanced technologies such as an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, all-electric control actuation system, fire control system, tandem warhead, propulsion system, and a high-performance targeting system. These technologies were developed by DRDO’s associated laboratories including Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (Chandigarh), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (Pune), and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (Dehradun).

The thermal target system, simulating an enemy tank, was developed by the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur. The IIR seeker enables day-and-night combat capability. The missile’s warhead is capable of destroying modern main battle tanks.

Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) are the Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for this weapon system. The missile can be launched from a tripod or a military vehicle-mounted launcher.

Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the DcPP partners, and the industry for the successful test, calling it a significant step towards “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. DRDO Chairman and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, stated that the missile successfully hit its target and is now ready for induction into the Indian Army.