India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) against a moving target on January 11, 2026, at the KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra. This third-generation "fire-and-forget" missile demonstrated its top attack capability, marking a significant stride towards self-reliance in advanced defense technologies.
The MPATGM is an indigenously developed system incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, including an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, an all-electric control actuation system, a fire control system, a tandem warhead, a propulsion system, and a high-performance sighting system. These advanced components have been developed by various DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, and Instruments Research & Development Establishment. A thermal target system, designed by the Defence Laboratory Jodhpur, was used to simulate a tank for the test.
The IIR seeker enables the missile to operate effectively during both day and night. The warhead is designed to defeat modern main battle tanks. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are partnering with DRDO for the development and production of the MPATGM system. The missile can be launched from a tripod or a military vehicle.
The MPATGM project was sanctioned in January 2015, with DRDO beginning work on the man-portable version of the Nag missile. This missile has a length of approximately 130 cm and a diameter of 12 cm. It weighs 14.5 kg, while its Command Launch Unit (CLU) weighs 14.25 kg and integrates a laser designator with a digital all-weather sight. The missile has a minimum range of 200 meters and a maximum range of 4 kilometers.
The successful flight test has been lauded as a crucial step towards "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh. Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, congratulated the team, stating that the successful trial paves the way for the weapon system's induction into the Indian Army.
The MPATGM is designed for infantry and parachute special forces, providing a lightweight, fire-and-forget weapon system. It uses a passive weapon guidance system, tracking and pursuing targets by the infrared light they emit, classifying it as a "heat-seeker" missile. The missile is equipped with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) shaped charge warhead. The integration of a miniaturized Infrared Imaging Seeker enhances the missile’s accuracy and target acquisition capabilities.
