The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully flight-tested the third-generation, fire-and-forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top-attack capability against a moving target. The trial was conducted on January 11, 2026, at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, marking a significant step towards the induction of the system into the Indian Army.

The test was carried out by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory, Hyderabad. The indigenously developed MPATGM incorporates a range of advanced technologies, including an Imaging Infrared (IIR) homing seeker, an all-electric control actuation system, a fire control system, a tandem warhead, a high-performance propulsion system and an advanced sighting system. These critical subsystems have been developed by multiple DRDO laboratories, including Research Centre Imarat, Hyderabad; Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh; High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Pune; and Instruments Research & Development Establishment, Dehradun.

To simulate an enemy tank, a Thermal Target System was developed by Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur. The IIR seeker enables effective engagement of targets in both day and night combat conditions. The tandem warhead is designed to defeat modern main battle tanks, enhancing the missile’s lethality on the battlefield. The MPATGM can be launched from a tripod or a military vehicle-mounted launcher, offering operational flexibility to infantry units.

Bharat Dynamics and Bharat Electronics are the Development-Cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for the weapon system, supporting its transition from development to series production.

Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh, Defence Minister, Government of India, complimented DRDO, the DcPP partners and industry stakeholders for the successful trial, describing it as a major achievement towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence. Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, said the successful engagement of the trial target paves the way for the weapon system’s induction into the Indian Army.