A Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile was successfully tested in a field firing range located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. On Tuesday, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile (MP-ATGM).
Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile capable of hitting tanks
A Man Portable Anti Tank Guided Missile can be easily carried anywhere. Moreover, It is capable of targeting enemy tanks from anywhere. MPATGM is a fire control system with aiming. Furthermore, it is suitable for both day and night operations. A Defense Ministry official said that the trial of its tandem warhead system has been completed. Moreover, it was found to be capable of defeating modern armour-protected tanks. Even before this, the system was tested in various areas.
According to sources, this Indigenous man-portable anti-tank guided missile is equipped with a tandem high explosive anti-tank weapon. Moreover, it can pierce armoured vehicles with state-of-the-art explosive reactive armour. In such a situation, no tank or armoured vehicle can escape from it during the war.
The man-portable anti-tank guided missile system consists of a missile, launcher, target acquisition system and a fire control unit. DRDO officials said the warhead flight trials had been successfully conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in Rajasthan. Moreover, the performance of the missile and the warhead is “remarkable”.
Types of anti-tank missiles
Anti-rank missiles are designed to target and destroy enemy tanks and armoured vehicles. Moreover, they come in various types. Furthermore, each has unique features and capabilities. Here are some common types:
1. Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MANPATS)
- Examples: Javelin (U.S.), Spike (Israel), NLAW (UK).
- Description: These are shoulder-fired or tripod-mounted missiles that can be carried and operated by a single soldier. They are often equipped with guidance systems such as infrared homing, laser guidance, or wire-guidance, allowing them to hit targets from long distances.
Indian man-portable anti-tank guided missile
An example of an Indian man-portable anti-tank missile is the DRDO MPATGM.
DRDO MPATGM
- Developer: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India.
- Guidance System: Infrared homing (fire-and-forget).
- Range: Approximately 2.5 kilometres.
- Warhead: Tandem HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank).
- Features:
- Lightweight and can be carried by individual soldiers.
- Moreover, it is designed to engage and destroy modern armoured tanks with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).
- Furthermore, the missile has a top-attack and direct-attack mode, providing flexibility in engaging different types of targets.
The MPATGM is intended to replace the older 2nd generation Milan and Konkurs ATGMs currently in service with the Indian Army.
2. Vehicle-mounted anti-tank Guided Missiles
- Examples: TOW (U.S.), Kornet (Russia), Hellfire (U.S.). Additionally, Nag (India) is the perfect example.
- Description: These missiles are mounted on vehicles like armoured personnel carriers (APCs), helicopters, or drones. They offer greater range and power than man-portable systems and are used for both offensive and defensive purposes.
3. Fire-and-Forget Missiles
- Examples: FGM-148 Javelin (U.S.), Spike-LR (Israel) and HELINA (Helicopter-launched Nag) missile, also known as Dhruvastra (India).
- Description: These missiles lock onto their target before launch and then guide themselves, allowing the operator to take cover or move after firing. Moreover, they often use infrared or optical guidance systems.
4. Wire-Guided Missiles
- Examples: BGM-71 TOW (U.S.), MILAN (France/Germany) and MILAN 2T (India).
- Description: These missiles are guided by a wire that unspools behind the missile as it travels. The operator can steer the missile toward the target by adjusting the controls during flight.
5. Laser-Guided Missiles
- Examples: AGM-114 Hellfire (U.S.), 9M133 Kornet (Russia) and Laser-Guided ATGM (India).
- Description: These missiles are guided to their target by a laser beam. Furthermore, the laser designator, which can be handheld, vehicle-mounted, or airborne, illuminates the target, and the missile follows the reflected laser energy.
6. Infrared-Guided Missiles
- Examples: Javelin (U.S.), Spike (Israel) and Nag (India).
- Description: These missiles use infrared sensors to detect the heat signature of a target. Hence allowing them to home in on the target’s engine or exhaust.
7. Top-Attack Missiles
- Examples: Javelin (U.S.), Spike (Israel) and Nag (India).
- Description: Designed to strike the more vulnerable upper surfaces of a tank, these missiles can fly over the target and then dive down onto it, bypassing the heavily armoured front and sides.
8. Kinetic Energy Penetrators
- Examples: M829 series (U.S.), APFSDS (various). India also has FSAPDS (Fin-Stabilized Armor-Piercing Discarding Sabot).
- Description: While not a missile, kinetic energy penetrators are a type of anti-tank round used in tank guns and some missile systems. They rely on high velocity to penetrate armor, rather than explosives.
Each of these types is designed for specific tactical scenarios, with varying ranges, guidance systems, and methods of attack. Furthermore, the DRDO (India) has designed all types of anti-tank missiles.
