Post by : Badri Ariffin

On Sunday, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) reached a significant milestone with the successful test-firing of the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) against a moving target. This trial was conducted at the Kharjuna Khare (KK) Ranges located in Maharashtra’s Ahilya Nagar district, and it represents a crucial phase in the missile's planned induction into the Indian Army.

DRDO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, Dr. Samir V. Kamat, stated that the missile operated flawlessly during the test. The target was effectively engaged and destroyed, underscoring the system’s precision and dependability. With this successful trial, the MPATGM is closer to becoming an active component of the Army’s arsenal.

The MPATGM is a third-generation, fire-and-forget missile, entirely designed and developed in India. It boasts advanced indigenous technologies, such as an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, an all-electric control actuation mechanism, a sophisticated fire control system, a tandem warhead, a robust propulsion unit, and a high-performance sighting apparatus. Various DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory in Pune, and Instruments Research and Development Establishment in Dehradun, played a role in developing these essential components.

To enhance the test's authenticity, the Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur created a Thermal Target System to simulate an enemy tank. An official statement highlighted that the missile's warhead is capable of neutralizing modern main battle tanks, even those with sophisticated defense systems. The MPATGM can be launched from either a tripod or a vehicle-mounted system, providing the armed forces with greater adaptability in various combat scenarios.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to DRDO, its industrial partners, and everyone involved in the undertaking for their successful endeavor. He emphasized that this achievement is a vital step toward enhancing India’s defense capabilities and promoting the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the defense sector.

The successful test of the MPATGM not only showcases India’s advancing capabilities in missile technology but also highlights the nation's progress in lessening reliance on imported defense systems while establishing cutting-edge technology domestically.

#Global News