DRDO Conducts Successful Flight Test of Indigenous MPATGM Against Moving Target

Ahilya Nagar (Maharashtra), New Delhi : India has taken a major step forward in strengthening its indigenous defence capability with the successful flight test of the Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) featuring top-attack capability. The test was conducted on January 11, 2026, at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (Defence Research and Development Organisation).

The missile, a third-generation “fire-and-forget” weapon system, was developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. During the trial, the MPATGM successfully engaged and destroyed a moving armoured target, demonstrating its accuracy, reliability and effectiveness under realistic battlefield conditions.

Advanced Capabilities and Design

The MPATGM is equipped with an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, enabling autonomous target tracking after launch. This allows the operator to fire and relocate immediately, significantly enhancing survivability during combat. The missile is capable of day-and-night operations and can function effectively in adverse weather conditions.

A critical feature of the system is its top-attack mode, which enables the missile to strike the thinner upper armour of modern main battle tanks. The missile carries a tandem high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead, designed to defeat explosive reactive armour (ERA) and penetrate advanced composite armour.

With an operational range of up to 2.5 kilometres, the MPATGM is intended to meet the Indian Army’s requirement for a lightweight yet lethal infantry-held anti-tank weapon. The system integrates an all-electric control actuation system, a modern fire control system, a high-performance propulsion unit, and a compact, high-precision sighting system.

Indigenous Development Effort

The MPATGM programme represents a significant multi-laboratory collaboration within DRDO. Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad, contributed to guidance and control systems, while the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh, developed the tandem warhead. The High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune, supported propulsion and energetic materials, and the Instruments Research & Development Establishment, Dehradun, provided key electronics and sighting technologies.

To replicate battlefield conditions, the thermal target system simulating an enemy tank was developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur, enabling accurate evaluation of the missile’s seeker performance.

Deployment and Production

The MPATGM has been designed for operational flexibility. It can be launched from a man-portable tripod as well as from a vehicle-mounted launcher, making it suitable for deployment across mountainous, desert and urban terrain.

For production, DRDO has partnered with Indian industry. Bharat Dynamics Limited (Bharat Dynamics Limited) and Bharat Electronics Limited (Bharat Electronics Limited) are the Development-cum-Production Partners, reinforcing the country’s push toward domestic defence manufacturing.

Official Reactions

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, its industry partners and associated laboratories on the successful test, calling it an important milestone toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence. He said indigenous systems like the MPATGM would significantly enhance the combat readiness of the armed forces.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Samir V Kamat stated that the successful trial against a moving target marked a crucial step toward induction of the missile into the Indian Army, adding that the system has demonstrated a high level of technological maturity.

Strategic Significance

With this successful flight test, India moves closer to inducting a fully indigenous third-generation man-portable anti-tank missile. The MPATGM is expected to play a vital role in strengthening the Army’s anti-armour capability, while reducing dependence on imported weapon systems and enhancing India’s strategic autonomy.