The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) flight tested the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM), successfully.

Highlights

• During the flight test, final deliverable configuration of the MPATGM was tested.
• MPATGM is an indigenously developed anti-tank missile, a low weight and a ‘fire and forget’ missile.
• It was launched from a launcher, which was man portable. It was integrated with thermal sight.
• During the test, the missile impacted designated target with precision and destroyed it.

Why this test was conducted?

The missile was flight-tested to prove the consistent performance for missile system at its minimum range.

The MPATGM, dubbed as “Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile”, is a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. It has been derived from Nag ATGM. It has been developed by DRDO in association with Indian defence contractor VEM Technologies Private Limited. It is a low weight, long cylindrical missile, comprising of four fins across its mid-section. The missile is fitted with high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. It has a length of 1,300 mm and diameter of 120 mm. It has a weight of 14.5 kg. Command launch unit (CLU) of the missile is of 14.25 kg. Missile can cover a minimum range of 200-300 m and maximum range of 4 km.