Pokhran, October 2025—The Indian Army is one step closer to fielding its first fully indigenous **Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)**. Developed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, the system has completed **18 developmental and user trials**, including night operations and high-altitude tests at 4,200m in Sikkim.

This breakthrough directly supports the lessons from Operation Sindoor and strengthens infantry squads already equipped with the T-90 Bhishma’s anti-drone shield.

MPATGM: Technical Edge Over Imports

The MPATGM is a **third-generation, fire-and-forget** system designed to replace aging Milan-2T and imported Israeli Spike missiles. Key specifications:

• Range: 2.5 km (extendable to 4 km with booster)
• Warhead: Tandem HEAT—penetrates 750mm RHA behind ERA
• Launch Weight: 14.5 kg (tube + missile)
• Seeker: IIR + MMW dual-mode for all-weather, day/night ops
• Top-Attack Mode: Lofts to 70° for vulnerable turret roof hits
• Lock-On Before Launch (LOBL): Reduces exposure time to 3 seconds

A senior Army officer from the Infantry Directorate noted, “One soldier can carry two missiles and still move faster than a Javelin team. That’s game-changing in mountain warfare.”

The MPATGM has undergone rigorous validation:

1. March 2024: First guided flight at 200m
2. July 2024: Top-attack demo on moving BMP-2 at 2.1 km
3. January 2025: Night trial with IIR lock-on in fog
4. June 2025: High-altitude test in Sikkim—hit target at 4,200m
5. October 2025: Final user trial—10/10 hits, including 2 in top-attack

The system has achieved a **Circular Error Probable (CEP) of under 1 meter**—better than the Spike-MR’s 1.5m average.

Reducing Import Dependence

India currently operates ~1,500 imported ATGM launchers (Spike, Milan, Konkurs). The MPATGM will:

• Cut annual import bill by **₹2,800 crore**
• Enable **100% local maintenance** via Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
• Support Aatmanirbhar Bharat with 92% indigenous components

BDL’s new production line in Amravati will roll out **1,200 missiles annually** starting Q1 2026.

Integration with Infantry & Mechanized Units

The MPATGM will be issued at **section level** (3 missiles per 10-man team) and integrated with:

• Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA): For mechanized infantry
• FICV (Future Infantry Combat Vehicle): Under Project 8×8
• Light Strike Vehicles: For Para SF and mechanized recon

It will also link with the BrahMos-armed Su-30MKI for joint target designation via data-linked UAVs.

Strategic Edge in Border Skirmishes

In Ladakh and Arunachal, the MPATGM offers:

• Portability: One soldier can carry launcher + 2 missiles
• Rapid Deployment: Setup in under 30 seconds
• Counter-Ambush Capability: Fire from defilade positions

During Operation Sindoor, infantry units highlighted the need for lightweight, long-range ATGMs—MPATGM fills that gap perfectly.

Export Potential & Global Interest

DRDO has received inquiries from:

• Vietnam: For South China Sea island defense
• Armenia: To counter Azerbaijani drone-tank combos
• African Union peacekeepers: For lightweight anti-armor in Mali

First export variant (MPATGM-X) with 3.5 km range is under development for 2027 launch.

Road to 2026 Induction

Final milestones:

• Q4 2025: Environmental stress tests in Leh (-40°C) and Rajasthan (+55°C)
• Q1 2026: Limited series production (LSP) of 500 units
• Q3 2026: Full operational clearance and first regiment induction

Conclusion

The MPATGM is not just a missile—it’s a **strategic enabler**. By giving every infantry section the power to destroy main battle tanks at standoff range, India is rewriting the rules of close combat. As the Army phases out imported systems, the MPATGM—alongside private sector ammo reforms—marks the arrival of a truly self-reliant anti-armor ecosystem.

Stay tuned: We’ll bring you live coverage from the first regimental firing exercise in Mahajan Ranges, March 2026.