India Successfully Tests New Version of Nag Mk 2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile

India has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the successful field evaluation trials of the indigenously-developed third-generation anti-tank guided missile, Nag Mk 2. Conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan, the trials demonstrated the missile's remarkable precision and operational readiness in the presence of senior Army officials. The Nag Mk 2 is now fully prepared for induction into the Indian Army, marking a step forward in bolstering the nation's anti-tank warfare capabilities.

Successful Field Trials

The field trials, held under stringent conditions, showcased the Nag Mk 2's ability to destroy all designated targets with pinpoint accuracy. During three separate trials, the missile successfully engaged and neutralized targets at both its maximum and minimum operational ranges, affirming its reliability across varying scenarios. In addition to the missile itself, the Nag Mk 2 missile carrier platform was also evaluated, further confirming the system's integrated performance.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended his congratulations to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Indian Army, and the private industry partners involved in developing and perfecting the missile system. Similarly, DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat praised the collaborative effort that has led to this significant achievement.

Key Specifications of Nag Mk 2

The Nag Mk 2 is a third-generation, fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) designed to meet the modern battlefield's evolving challenges. Below are its notable specifications:

• Type: Fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile.
• Guidance System: Equipped with advanced imaging infrared (IIR) seekers, ensuring precise targeting even in adverse weather and low-visibility conditions.
• Warhead: Tandem High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead capable of penetrating explosive reactive armor (ERA).
• Range: Capable of striking targets up to 5 km when launched from its carrier platform.
• Platform: Designed for launch from the NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier) version-2, an armored vehicle tailored to support and enhance the missile's capabilities.
• Weight: Approximately 42 kg.
• Speed: Subsonic, achieving speeds sufficient to engage fast-moving armored targets.
• Operational Flexibility: Effective against a wide variety of armored targets, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and fortifications.

Strategic Importance

The Nag Mk 2's induction is expected to significantly strengthen India's anti-armor capabilities, providing the Indian Army with a cutting-edge weapon system to counter modern tanks equipped with advanced protective measures such as reactive armor. Its fire-and-forget capability minimizes risk to the operator while ensuring high target accuracy, even in dynamic combat scenarios.

The missile's development aligns with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative, reducing dependence on foreign defense imports and enhancing indigenous technological capabilities. The successful testing of the Nag Mk 2 also underscores DRDO's prowess in developing world-class defense systems tailored to India's strategic needs.

With the trials completed and the system ready for induction, the Indian Army is set to deploy the Nag Mk 2 across its formations, significantly improving its ability to respond to armored threats on the battlefield. The system's successful evaluation also serves as a morale booster for India's defense ecosystem, demonstrating the potential for further advancements in missile technology.

The Nag Mk 2, now a symbol of India's growing self-reliance in defense technology, marks yet another chapter in the nation's journey toward a robust and technologically advanced military capability.