HYDERABAD, January 12, 2026 — India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested a new generation of anti-tank missiles on Monday, marking a significant step toward bolstering the nation’s defense capabilities. The third-generation Fire & Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) demonstrated its top-attack capability against a moving target, a feat that could redefine battlefield tactics.
Advanced Missile System Passes Key Test
The newly tested MPATGM utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide Indian forces with a powerful and versatile weapon against armored threats.
What makes this missile different? This MPATGM is “fire and forget,” meaning the operator can lock onto a target and then disengage, allowing for greater tactical flexibility and survivability on the battlefield.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the achievement, stating via a post on X (formerly Twitter), “Third Generation Fire & Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability was flight tested successfully against a moving target by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.” He further complimented the DRDO, Development-cum-Production Partners, and industry stakeholders, calling the test “an important step towards AatmanirbharBharat” – a self-reliant India.
Third Generation Fire & Forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) with top attack capability was flight tested successfully against moving target
by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad.Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh has complimented…
Indigenous Technology at its Core
The missile, developed by DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory in Hyderabad, was tested at KK Ranges, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra, on January 11, 2026. Secretary of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, expressed confidence that the successful trial would accelerate the MPATGM’s induction into the Indian Army.
The MPATGM boasts several advanced features, including an Imaging Infrared (IIR) Homing Seeker for day/night operation, an all-electric Control Actuation System, a sophisticated Fire Control System, and a tandem warhead designed to defeat modern main battle tanks. These components were developed collaboratively by DRDO labs in Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Pune, and Dehradun.
The missile’s targeting system utilized a Thermal Target System provided by Defence Laboratory Jodhpur to simulate a tank. Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited are serving as key Development-cum-Production Partners (DcPP) for this project. The missile is designed for launch from both tripod and military vehicle platforms, offering versatility in deployment.
- The MPATGM is a “fire and forget” system, enhancing operator safety and tactical flexibility.
- The missile’s IIR seeker allows for effective operation in all weather conditions and times of day.
- The tandem warhead is specifically engineered to neutralize advanced main battle tanks.
- Indigenous development underscores India’s progress toward self-reliance in defense technology.
What kind of threat does this missile counter? The MPATGM is designed to effectively engage and defeat modern main battle tanks, providing a crucial capability for ground forces.
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