India has taken a significant step toward strengthening its anti-armour capabilities with the successful test of a man-portable anti-tank guided missile (MPATGM) on Monday. The missile, designed with top-attack capability, was fired successfully at a moving target, demonstrating its precision, agility, and lethality. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the test paves the way for the induction of the weapon system into the Indian Army, marking a key milestone in India’s efforts to bolster its indigenous defence technology and achieve self-reliance in critical military hardware.

The test was conducted at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, under the aegis of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Specifically, the Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), one of DRDO’s premier laboratories, oversaw the firing of this third-generation, fire-and-forget missile system. The MPATGM successfully engaged and neutralised a moving target, demonstrating its capability to defeat modern armoured vehicles under operational conditions.

The indigenous missile incorporates a range of advanced technologies that make it a formidable weapon in India’s anti-armour arsenal. Among its key features is the imaging infrared (IIR) homing seeker, which allows the missile to detect, track, and engage targets autonomously, providing fire-and-forget capability. This seeker ensures that the missile can be launched and the operator can immediately relocate, reducing vulnerability in battlefield conditions. Complementing the seeker is an all-electric control actuation system and an integrated fire control system, which work together to ensure precise guidance and targeting.

The missile also features a tandem warhead capable of defeating reactive armour on modern main battle tanks, a high-performance propulsion system that provides both range and speed, and an advanced sighting system that allows operators to engage targets effectively in both day and night conditions. According to the Defence Ministry, the thermal target system used in the test was developed by the Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur to simulate a tank target, providing realistic conditions for evaluating the missile’s operational effectiveness.

Development of the MPATGM has been a collaborative effort involving multiple DRDO laboratories. The Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad played a lead role in system integration and missile design, while the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh, the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in Pune, and the Instruments Research and Development Establishment in Dehradun contributed specialized technologies in propulsion, warhead design, and guidance systems.

The missile’s development was also supported by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which act as development-cum-production partners (DcPP). These companies are responsible for scaling up production to meet the requirements of the Indian Army while ensuring quality and performance standards. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the efforts of DRDO, BDL, BEL, and other industry partners, calling the successful test an important step toward “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in the defence sector.

The indigenous MPATGM’s successful test comes at a time when India is also exploring foreign acquisitions to bolster its anti-tank capabilities. In November 2025, the United States approved the possible foreign military sale of the Javelin missile system to India. The proposal, which involves the procurement of 100 FGM-148 Javelin rounds, one Javelin missile for fly-to-buy purposes, and 25 Lightweight Command Launch Units (LwCLU) or Javelin Block 1 Command Launch Units, is aimed at enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Army while its indigenous systems are being deployed and scaled up.

The acquisition of the Javelin system is not only a defence procurement exercise but also a strategic move to strengthen the US-India defence relationship. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) noted that the sale supports American foreign policy and national security objectives by helping a major defence partner enhance its security capabilities. It also underscores India’s growing importance as a stabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian regions, both politically and economically.

Despite the Javelin procurement, the MPATGM is a game-changer for India’s self-reliant defence capabilities. Its man-portable design allows infantry units to operate in diverse terrains, including mountainous regions and urban battlefields, where heavier anti-tank systems may be impractical. Its fire-and-forget capability ensures rapid deployment and minimal operator exposure, enhancing survivability in combat situations.

Furthermore, the missile’s tandem warhead design is particularly significant in modern warfare. Many contemporary main battle tanks are equipped with explosive reactive armour (ERA) to mitigate damage from conventional shaped-charge warheads. The MPATGM’s tandem warhead, consisting of a precursor charge followed by a main charge, is engineered to penetrate ERA and defeat the tank’s primary armour, ensuring maximum lethality against heavily armoured targets.

The DRDO’s efforts to develop such sophisticated indigenous weapon systems reflect India’s broader focus on strategic self-reliance in defence technology. Over the past decade, India has invested heavily in research and development to reduce dependence on foreign imports for critical defence systems, ranging from missiles and artillery to radars and electronic warfare equipment. The MPATGM is among the latest examples of this push, combining advanced indigenous technology with battlefield applicability.

Operationalisation of the MPATGM is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Army’s capabilities along sensitive borders, particularly in regions where tank-based warfare could play a decisive role. Its introduction will provide infantry units with a versatile and effective tool to counter armoured threats from both state and non-state actors. Given India’s diverse topography—from the high-altitude Himalayan ranges to dense urban areas—the man-portable, fire-and-forget nature of the missile ensures that it can be deployed in multiple environments with minimal logistical burden.

The missile’s successful testing also signals a potential for export opportunities in the future, as countries with similar terrain and security requirements may find the MPATGM an attractive option. By combining indigenous innovation with proven performance, India could position itself as a credible player in the global defence market, enhancing both strategic partnerships and domestic industry growth.

Defence experts note that the MPATGM is part of a broader trend in modern warfare that prioritises mobility, precision, and technological sophistication. Infantry units equipped with such systems can independently neutralize armoured threats, reducing the reliance on heavy tank formations and mechanized units. This aligns with the Indian Army’s modernization priorities, which emphasize flexible, rapid-response forces capable of operating effectively in varied combat scenarios.

In conclusion, the successful test of the MPATGM represents a milestone in India’s defence preparedness. It combines state-of-the-art indigenous technologies, battlefield versatility, and operational effectiveness, making it a key addition to the army’s anti-armour arsenal. While imports like the Javelin missile system will temporarily supplement operational needs, the MPATGM underscores India’s capability to develop cutting-edge weaponry domestically, furthering the nation’s strategic goal of self-reliance in defence. With induction into the army expected soon, the missile promises to significantly enhance India’s combat readiness and deterrence capabilities, particularly in the context of modern armoured warfare and evolving security challenges.