The Indian Army's choice of anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) has sparked debate, particularly regarding the preference for foreign systems like the Israeli Spike and the American Javelin, despite their underwhelming performance in field trials. Meanwhile, indigenous options such as the Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) and the Nag ATGM, both of which have repeatedly proven their effectiveness, continue to await large-scale induction.
The Trials and Their Troubling Results
The Israeli Spike ATGM, procured in limited numbers since 2019, reportedly struggled in the harsh conditions of the Thar Desert. The missile's sensors faced difficulties in detecting targets amid extreme heat and dust, raising concerns about its reliability on India's western border.
The American Javelin ATGM, a fire-and-forget missile, was tested in Ladakh in late 2024. Evaluated at altitudes ranging from 13,000 to 18,000 feet, it reportedly failed to meet expectations, potentially due to the older variant tested. These results have only deepened skepticism about whether foreign systems are truly suited for India's diverse battlefields.
The Case for Indigenous ATGMs
In contrast, India's own ATGM programs have demonstrated consistent success. The DRDO-developed MPATGM, a third-generation missile with fire-and-forget capability, has undergone rigorous trials, including a successful warhead penetration test in August 2024. With a range of 4 km and an advanced infrared seeker, it matches—if not surpasses—the capabilities of the Spike and Javelin.
The Nag ATGM, designed for use on armored platforms, successfully completed summer trials in 2019 and is ready for deployment. Its helicopter-launched variant, Helina (Dhruvastra for the Air Force), has proven effective in high-altitude environments, striking targets at a range of 7 km.
Why Are Foreign Missiles Still Preferred?
Despite these successes, indigenous systems have faced extended testing and delays, often spanning a decade. Meanwhile, foreign systems—despite documented failures—have been procured on a fast-track basis. This inconsistency has puzzled defense analysts.
One explanation is the military’s urgent need for ATGMs following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which led to the acceptance of Spike missiles as a "stop-gap" measure. Similarly, Javelin’s evaluation was linked to U.S.-India defense cooperation under the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), despite previous American reluctance to transfer key technologies for local manufacturing.
A Shift Toward Self-Reliance?
Recognizing the need to reduce dependence on foreign weaponry, India's Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a Request for Information (RFI) in October 2024 for 1,500 ATGMs under the "Buy (Indian-IDDM)" category, prioritizing indigenous design, development, and manufacturing. This could mark a turning point in favor of homegrown solutions, ensuring that India's defense needs are met with systems tailored to its unique operational conditions.
While foreign ATGMs continue to be explored, the question remains—why should India persist with systems that struggle in real-world conditions when domestic alternatives have already proven their worth?
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