DRDO Successfully Test-Fires Indigenous Nag Mk-II ATGM from Zorawar Light Tank

In a major step forward for India’s defense capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired the indigenous Nag Mk-II Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from the Zorawar Light Tank in October 2025. This marks a significant milestone in integrating advanced indigenous missile systems with India’s latest light armored platforms, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational readiness in high-altitude and challenging terrains.

The Nag Mk-II is a third-generation, fire-and-forget ATGM developed under India’s Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It features imaging infrared (IIR) homing guidance, allowing it to autonomously track and destroy armored targets. The missile is approximately 1.83 meters long, 15 cm in diameter, weighs around 45 kg, and can engage targets at ranges of 7 to 10 kilometers. Its tandem HEAT warhead can penetrate over 900 mm of armor, even behind Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), making it highly effective against modern main battle tanks.

Previously, the Nag Mk-II was successfully tested from platforms such as NAMICA, HAL Rudra, and HAL Prachand, and these trials demonstrated its accuracy and reliability. The successful October 2025 firing from the Zorawar Light Tank confirms its integration with the tank’s fire-control systems, paving the way for operational deployment.

The Zorawar Light Tank, developed by DRDO’s Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), is specifically designed for high-altitude operations. Weighing 25 tonnes, it is powered by a 760 hp Cummins diesel engine and features a 105 mm high-pressure rifled gun along with a 7.62 mm anti-aircraft machine gun on a remote-controlled weapon station. The tank is airliftable, amphibious-capable, and optimized for mobility in difficult terrains such as the mountainous regions along India’s borders.

The October 2025 test-firing successfully validated the Nag Mk-II ATGM’s compatibility with the Zorawar’s systems, accurately hitting simulated armored targets. This achievement demonstrates both the precision of the missile and the lethality of the tank-missile combination, reinforcing India’s goal of self-reliance in defense technologies.

With the completion of these trials, the Zorawar Light Tank armed with Nag Mk-II is expected to be inducted into the Indian Army after final user trials. Once operational, it will significantly enhance India’s firepower in high-altitude border regions, strengthening the country’s strategic and tactical capabilities.

This successful integration underlines India’s growing expertise in indigenous defense technologies and highlights the nation’s commitment to equipping its armed forces with advanced, homegrown weapon systems.