New Delhi, 12 January (H.S.): The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced on Monday the successful flight test of its indigenously developed Third Generation Fire & Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) featuring top-attack capability against a moving target.Conducted on January 11 at the KK Ranges in Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, by DRDO's Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, the test validated the missile's advanced performance.

The MPATGM integrates cutting-edge indigenous technologies, including an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Homing Seeker for day-night operations, an all-electric Control Actuation System, Fire Control System, Tandem Warhead to defeat modern main battle tanks, propulsion system, and high-performance sighting system.

These components were collaboratively developed by DRDO's sister laboratories: Research Centre Imarat (Hyderabad), Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (Chandigarh), High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (Pune), and Instruments Research & Development Establishment (Dehradun).

The Thermal Target System, simulating a real tank, was crafted by Defence Laboratory Jodhpur.Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited serve as Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for mass production.

The versatile missile launches from either a tripod or military vehicle launcher.Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, DcPP partners, and industry stakeholders, describing the milestone as a significant stride toward Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V. Kamat praised the team, noting the trial paves the way for induction into the Indian Army under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar