Maiden Flight Test of MPATGM Successful

India՚s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted 1st successful flight test of indigenously designed & developed 3rd generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) .

Maiden Flight Test of MPATGM Successful
  • 2 rounds of missile were flight tested in operational configuration in 2 days from Ahmednagar range in Maharashtra.

About Test of MPATGM

  • 2 tests were intended for 2 diff. ranges.
  • After its launch from platform, missile tracked target all thru its trajectory & destroyed it w⟋high precision.
  • Missile performed as expected during test by meeting all mission objectives successfully & validated its max. range capability.
  • Apart from stand alone & warhead testing, missile had undergone series of tests including integrated static trial to characterize trust vector control.

MPATGM Weapon System

  • MPATGM is 3rd-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) indigenously developed by DRDO.
  • It is best in its class in world. It is yet to be formally named.
  • It is expected to replace 2nd generation French origin anti-tank guided missile Milan & Soviet semi-automatic wire-guided missile Konkur, which are in service w⟋Indian Army.
  • This missile is considered as major boost to Make-in-India initiative.
  • It has strike range of 2.5 km.
  • It weighs around 14.5 kg to maintain man portability.
  • It is capable of being fired from shoulder & can be used during day & night.
  • It has min. lateral centre & gravity offset.
  • It is fitted w⟋high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead.
  • It works on fire & forgets principle & is known for its top attack capabilities.
  • It is effective against both stationary & moving targets.
  • It will be deployed in infantry & parachute battalions of Indian Army.
  • Its development was necessitated after armed forces sought low-weight & man portable weapon systems as per battle ground requirements.
  • India Army has indigenously developed 3rd generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) Nag in its arsenal but it is not portable to meet its demand.

Background on MPATGM

  • Indian Defence Research & Development Organisation had promised Indian Army to hand over 1st MPATGM prototype by end of 2018 for user trials.
  • Mass production of missile is expected to begin in 2021. Indian govt. scrapped $ 500 million deal w⟋Rafael for 321 Spike ATGM systems & 8,356 missiles in favor of MPATGM system in December 2017.
  • Union Defence Ministry selected Spike ATGM over US-made FGM-148 Javelin ATGM system in October 2014.

Defence Research & Development Organisation

  • Formed in - 1958
  • Headquarter - New Delhi
  • Vision: Make India prosperous by establishing world class science & technology base & provide Defence Services decisive edge by equipping them w⟋internationally competitive systems & solutions.
  • Mission:
  • Design, develop & lead to production state-of-the-art sensors, weapon systems, platforms & allied equipment for Defence Services.
  • Provide technological solutions to Services to optimize combat effectiveness & to promote well-being of troops.
  • Develop infrastructure & committed quality manpower & build strong indigenous technology base.

Examrace Team at Aug 23, 2021